Frances Oldham Kelsey, the meddlesome government bureaucrat who resisted corporate pressure and blocked widespread distribution of thalidomide in the US to pregnant women– thus likely preventing tens of thousands of horrible birth deformities– will be honored 50 years later, at the age of 96.
To mark the 50th anniversary of Kelsey’s action, [Food and Drug Administration] Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg will present her with the first Kelsey Award on Wednesday, an honor that will be given regularly to an FDA employee to “celebrate courage and scientific decision-making.”
Congratulations, Dr. Kelsey.
