OTTAWA, ON, September 10, 1997 - The drug thalidomide caused untold damage to more than 100 Canadian children back in the early '60s.

The drug is now being considered for re-release as it apparently has been found useful in assisting AIDS victims and others suffering from systemic diseases.

Inasmuch as The War Amputations of Canada formed the task force which brought the plight of thalidomide victims to the attention of the Government in 1986 (which incidentally resulted in a settlement of nearly $10,000,000) we have had a close association with the drug itself.

It is the position of The War Amps that there is no valid reason why thalidomide should be withheld from members of the public who might receive relief from its use so long as sufficient precautions are taken to ensure the drug is not made available to women of child bearing age.

Cliff Chadderton, OC, O.Ont., DCL,
Founder, Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada