Ep 31: A sedative promoted as safe for pregnant women in the 1950s produced the largest drug-related birth-defect epidemic on record before testing rules changed. episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 16, 2026 · 6 MIN

Ep 31: A sedative promoted as safe for pregnant women in the 1950s produced the largest drug-related birth-defect epidemic on record before testing rules changed.

from Unintended Consequences

A sedative promoted as safe for pregnant women in the 1950s produced the largest drug-related birth-defect epidemic on record before testing rules changed. Segment 1 — The Cold Open In October 1957, the German firm Chemie Grünenthal began selling thalidomide across West Germany under the name Contergan, describing it as a non-addictive sedative that could be taken even by pregnant women without risk. ... AI Disclosure: This podcast is curated by Patrick but uses AI-generated voice synthesis for audio production. 📝 Full show notes, transcript & sources: read the episode page 🌐 Part of the Nerra Network — explore every show at nerranetwork.com.

A sedative promoted as safe for pregnant women in the 1950s produced the largest drug-related birth-defect epidemic on record before testing rules changed. Segment 1 — The Cold Open In October 1957, the German firm Chemie Grünenthal began selling thalidomide across West Germany under the name Contergan, describing it as a non-addictive sedative that could be taken even by pregnant women without risk. ... AI Disclosure: This podcast is curated by Patrick but uses AI-generated voice synthesis for audio production. 📝 Full show notes, transcript & sources: read the episode page 🌐 Part of the Nerra Network — explore every show at nerranetwork.com.

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Ep 31: A sedative promoted as safe for pregnant women in the 1950s produced the largest drug-related birth-defect epidemic on record before testing rules changed.

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This episode was published on June 16, 2026.

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A sedative promoted as safe for pregnant women in the 1950s produced the largest drug-related birth-defect epidemic on record before testing rules changed. Segment 1 — The Cold Open In October 1957, the German firm Chemie Grünenthal began selling...

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