Victims of diethylstilbestrol (DES), a pregnancy drug linked to serious health risks, are set to meet with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday to demand a statutory public inquiry into what they describe as a "silent scandal." The campaign group DES Justice UK (DJUK) is leading the charge, calling for an NHS screening programme and a compensation scheme for those affected.
The Legacy of DES Prescriptions
DES was prescribed to an estimated 300,000 women in the United Kingdom from the 1940s through the 1970s, primarily to prevent miscarriages. However, it has since been associated with a range of severe health issues, including infertility, reproductive abnormalities, and significantly increased cancer risks. These dangers extend not only to the women who took the drug but also to their children and grandchildren, creating a multi-generational impact that campaigners argue has been overlooked for decades.
Campaigners' Demands and International Comparisons
DES Justice UK is urging the government to establish a full public inquiry to investigate the historical use and consequences of DES, alongside the implementation of a dedicated NHS screening programme. The group highlights that while countries like the United States and the Netherlands have established compensation schemes for DES victims, the United Kingdom has yet to follow suit, leaving many without adequate support or recognition.
In a previous statement, Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the failures, apologising to victims and stating that "the state got it wrong." He has encouraged those affected to consult their general practitioners for medical advice. However, campaigners stress that apologies alone are insufficient, and concrete actions, including financial redress and thorough investigation, are necessary to address the ongoing suffering.
Wes Streeting's Personal Connection
Mr Streeting has revealed a personal connection to the cause, sharing that he lost a friend to cancer, which underscores his commitment to improving cancer care and addressing historical medical injustices. This meeting comes as he launches the National Cancer Plan, aiming to enhance treatment and prevention strategies across the NHS.
The victims' push for a public inquiry seeks to bring transparency and accountability to what has been termed a "silent scandal," ensuring that such medical oversights are not repeated and that affected individuals receive the justice and healthcare they deserve.
