#tumblr didn't recognize her essay as a link so i tried to summarize a little

[womantichrist]

In 1962, children's tv host Sherri Chessen sought to terminate her pregnancy after learning the sedative her husband had brought home from Europe (thalidomide) had been found to cause severe birth defects, despite being marketed as a treatment for morning sickness. It was not authorized in the US, as FDA reviewer Frances Oldham Kelsey realized there was no information on its effects on pregnancy and refused to bow to pressure.

Chessen was unable to obtain permission for an abortion in Arizona. The publicity from her case led to her requiring FBI protection and the loss of her job hosting Romper Room. She was denied a visa to Japan.

On August 7, Kelsey received the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from President Kennedy in recognition of her role in minimizing the damage of the drug in the US.

On August 18, Chessen's pregnancy was terminated in Sweden. She was told the fetus would not have survived.

In 2012, she recounted her story in her own words.