Film Lens
The documentary focuses on the impact of the drug Contergan, which caused disabilities in about 5000 children in Germany between 1959 and 1962. It reveals that many of these children were born with shortened limbs and internal organ damage, with approximately half not surviving. The film presents personal accounts from parents of the so-called 'Contergan children,' detailing their experiences and the tragedy that unfolded due to the drug's effects.
In November 1961, it was discovered that thalidomide, the active ingredient in Contergan, disrupted fetal growth during early pregnancy. The documentary captures the emotional weight of this medical scandal through the voices of affected families, illustrating the long-lasting consequences of the drug on their lives and the lives of their children.
Why Watch
- •Meet parents sharing their Contergan stories.
- •Find out how thalidomide caused widespread disabilities.
- •See the lasting impact of a major medical scandal.
Did You Know
•About 5000 disabled children were born in Germany due to Contergan.
•Approximately half of the affected children did not survive.
•Thalidomide disrupted fetal growth in the early stages of pregnancy.
Perfect For
Medical ethicsPharmaceutical historyParenting stories