Events for January 27, 2010

January 27, 2010

Randi Epstein, M.D., Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

DES:  The Miracle Baby Drug Gone Awry

Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania | Visit site »

Time: 12:15 p.m.
Place: 2U Conference Room, Room 2019, Claire Fagin Hall
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

DES, the mid-20th century drug touted to prevent miscarriages, was found decades later to increase the risk of vaginal cancer and infertility among exposed babies. Why were pregnant women eager to take high doses of hormones? Why were doctors pushing a pill that lacked conclusive proof of safety and efficacy? This talk explores the cultural forces at play that helped to popularize this toxic remedy.  Dr. Epstein is the author of newly released book entitled Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank. (2010).