UK secret tests on unborn babies in the late 1950s.

[bustergutt]

A few years ago I saw on TV that the UK conducted secret tests on unborn babies in the late 1950s and early 60s. The tests were carried out on pregnant women during this time without them knowing. The different concoctions they were given were diguised as Vitamin tablets.
Does anyone know more about this or is there a website on the facts.
Thank you.

[Ethel]

Are you referring to the Thalidomide scandal, where pregnant women were given the Thalidomide drug to stop morning sickness, resulting in children being stillborn or born with severe handicap?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leadi ng_article/article3602839.ece

That wasn't particularly secret, except of course the mothers didn't know the dangers, but it does fit your timescale.

[bustergutt]

Hi Ethel,
No it was completely seperate from the thalidamide drug, what I heard was the tests were done but no other information or outcome was given other than the drugs used were disguised as Vitamin tablets. I believe the programme was BBC2 Horizon about 15 years ago. The main story was the USA secret drug testing and how it happened here.

[boogieboogie]

MKULTRA was a US (CIA) operation of that time but I don't recall mentioned test on unborn babies.

[bluegecko]

yeh I was just reading that link and there was something about 'operation teapot' which involved 'testing pregnant women with radiation and other things'