Sir Gavin Williamson voices concerns for the victims of Hormone Pregnancy Test Primodos and has called for support to be given to the families affected.
Sir Gavin has expressed his frustration at the lack of government support given to victims of the toxic drug, which women were prescribed as a form of pregnancy test from 1959 until its eventual discontinuance in 1977. He has contacted the Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, and hopes to meet with her to discuss redress for victims and their families. Sir Gavin has also demanded the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care provide a clear agenda for the compensation of victims and their families.
On Friday, Sir Gavin met with Charlotte Fensome from Coven, South Staffordshire, to hear her speak of her family’s ordeal with the drug in the 1960s. Charlotte’s mother was provided a Hormone Pregnancy Test by her GP when she was pregnant with her brother Steven in 1967. As a result, Steven was born with severe brain difficulties and needed 24-hour care until his passing.
Sir Gavin said: “It simply is not good enough that drug companies like Bayer have been allowed to dodge accountability for a mistake that cost dozens of lives. I’m encouraged by the recent spate of campaigning in and outside parliament for this issue, and hope that my meeting with Minister Maria Caulfield will allow me to put my voice alongside those hoping for a financial redress of the victims.”
