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Les Archives de Radio-Canada

Home · Programs · Trans Canada Matinee

Trans Canada Matinee

Pat Patterson was the host of this long-running series featuring interviews, book readings and segments such as Matinee Quiz.

Thalidomide effects revealed

Broadcast Date: Aug. 1, 1962

Thalidomide, a sedative used by pregnant women to combat many of the effects of morning sickness, first becomes available in Canada in sample form in 1959 and is licensed for prescription use on April 1, 1961. It remains available in Canada until March 1962, three months after European countries ban it, despite clear indications that the drug is the cause of severe birth defects.

Thalidomide effects revealed

• When it was first released on the market, thalidomide was thought to be so safe that it was sold without prescription. It was hailed as a wonder drug that provided a "safe, sound sleep."

Thalidomide effects revealed

Medium: Radio

Program: Trans Canada Matinee

Broadcast Date: Aug. 1, 1962

Guest(s):


Host: Mac Atkinson
Reporter: Warner Troyer

Duration: 3:26

Last updated:
Dec. 3, 2004


End of list




All clips from this program

3 results available  

MediaTitle and dateDescription
Radio
3:26 		Aug. 1, 1962
Thalidomide effects revealed 		Canadians learn of the severe birth defects caused by thalidomide.
Radio
8:05 		Oct. 16, 1961
'Betty Shakespeare' 		Women who want to act should start a theatre group, says Trans-Canada Matinee guest Betty Keller.
Radio
5:41 		May 19, 1953
Advice for mothers of toddlers 		'Bringing up small fry:' suggestions for tired moms.
3 results available