A resolution recognizing and supporting individuals born with congenital disabilities or malformations due to thalidomide exposure.
Impact
The bill acknowledges the ongoing hardships faced by thalidomide survivors, many of whom rely on adaptive technologies, such as electronic wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs, to enhance their mobility and quality of life. The financial burdens of these adaptations are emphasized, as they can be significant, exacerbating the challenges faced by survivors, who often struggle with employment due to their disabilities. This recognition aims to invoke a response from both the government and society, working towards more substantial support for these individuals.
Summary
SR714 is a resolution recognizing and supporting individuals born with congenital disabilities or malformations due to thalidomide exposure. The resolution highlights the historical context of thalidomide usage in the late 1950s as a sedative for pregnant women, which resulted in irreversible side effects for many children, including limb abnormalities and other serious health issues. The resolution calls for awareness particularly on July 14th, designated as National Thalidomide Survivor Awareness Day, to honor those affected by this tragic chapter in medical history.
Contention
While SR714 is primarily a resolution of support, it underscores larger themes regarding the healthcare system's responsibility towards individuals who suffer from the ramifications of historical medical practices. The lack of recognition and aid for thalidomide survivors serves as a critique of past and current federal policies regarding pharmaceutical safety and the need for better long-term support mechanisms for individuals with congenital disabilities resulting from such incidents.
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