Today, the FDA classifies drugs according to their safety for the fetus.

Yet, as the newest member of the team, Kelsey was assigned what everyone thought would be an easy review: an application from the US drug company Merrell to sell a drug called thalidomide. Thalidomide was a sedative developed in Germany that was already being widely used in dozens of countries to treat insomnia and workplace stress. Thalidomide’s anti-nausea properties also made it a popular remedy for pregnant women with morning sickness. Reviewing Merrell’s application, Kelsey found its data on thalidomide’s absorption and toxicity inadequate. Today, the FDA classifies drugs based on their safety for a fetus.