Thalidomide was introduced as a remedy for morning sickness in pregnant women, marketed as entirely safe. However, this promise was shattered when thousands of babies were born with severe birth defects. The story of thalidomide remains etched in American memory. 

According to Harvard Public Health, this story exemplifies how the FDA, along with courageous investigative journalists, worked to prevent a public health catastrophe. Although the U.S. never approved thalidomide, its tragic impact was felt in other parts of the world. An estimated 10,000 children in Europe suffered fatal consequences, and many more were born with serious deformities.