U.K. apologizes to Thalidomide victims

LONDON -- The British government apologized Thursday to people who were harmed in the womb when their mothers took the anti-nausea drug Thalidomide.

Health Minister Mike O'Brien told lawmakers the government expresses its "sincere regret and deep sympathy for the injury and suffering endured by all those affected when expectant mothers took the drug thalidomide between 1958 and 1961."

The government recently agreed to give 20 million pounds ($33 million) to help Thalidomide victims in Britain deal with their health problems.

Nicholas Dobrik, who works for the Thalidomide Trust-- a charity that helps those affected by the drug -- said it was the first time the British government has apologized. There are 466 affected people still living in the UK.

About 2,000 babies were born between 1959 and 1962 with Thalidomide-related defects, but most died within a year of being born, he said.

"I've had letters from parents of babies who died at the time, saying this apology means a great deal to them as well," Dobrik said.

Thalidomide was given to some pregnant women in Europe and Canada until it was found to be causing a range of birth defects including missing or shortened limbs. Many countries -- including the U.S. -- did not approve the use of Thalidomide at the time, though it is now occasionally used for treating multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.

The money given by the British government will be administered through the Thalidomide Trust.