Congress Backs Restoration of DES Study Funding, Calls for FDA Apology for Historical Drug Harm

This resolution is all about officially recognizing the massive, long-term harm caused by the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). This drug was prescribed to millions of pregnant women between the 1940s and 1971, essentially acting as a toxic hormone that was supposed to prevent miscarriages. The resolution now formally designates April 20 through 26, 2025, as DES Awareness Week, and pushes for two major actions: restoring funding for the crucial DES Follow-Up Study and demanding a formal apology from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the families affected.

The Historical Cost of a Pill

For those unfamiliar, DES is a public health tragedy that continues to affect multiple generations. When babies—known as DES Daughters and Sons—were exposed to the drug in the womb, it caused serious health issues later in life, including higher risks of fertility problems, pregnancy complications, and a rare, aggressive form of vaginal and cervical cancer. This resolution acknowledges that even though the FDA admitted the drug was harmful and pulled it from use in 1971, the government hasn't fully accounted for the damage done. This official recognition is a powerful step for the survivors who have spent decades dealing with these lifelong health issues.

Backing the Science and the Survivors

The resolution’s most concrete actions are focused on support and accountability. By backing the restoration of funding for the DES Follow-Up Study, Congress is signaling that the research tracking these long-term health effects needs to continue. This study is vital because the medical community is still learning about the generational impacts of DES exposure—it’s not just a historical footnote. For the researchers and the affected families, this support means the data collection and medical guidance can keep going, potentially helping thousands of people manage their health risks.

The Push for Accountability

Perhaps the most symbolic move here is the formal urging for the FDA to issue a public apology. The resolution notes that while the FDA acknowledged the harm, a formal apology has never been issued. This isn't just about saying "sorry"; it's about official government accountability for a decision that severely damaged the health of millions. This resolution is purely declarative—it doesn't create new laws or spending—but it uses the full weight of Congress to advocate for awareness, continued scientific study, and the moral recognition owed to those who were harmed by a drug they were told was safe.