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Mums vs Big Pharma

Mums vs Big Pharma

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Summary

Janet Williams and Emma Murphy tell their story of taking on a drugs company, doctors and the government as they fought for justice in the sodium valproate scandal, which led to thousands of babies being born with disabilities. The documentary reveals the David v Goliath battle they faced as they searched for answers and justice for their children

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Review

David Butcher

The story of sodium valproate is a huge medical scandal that most people haven’t heard of. Watching this doc feels similar to learning about the Post Office IT case – and like that story, it may get under your skin.

At its centre are two mothers, Janet Williams and Emma Murphy, who each took an anti-seizure medication for their epilepsy when they were pregnant in the 1980s and 1990s. The drug – marketed as Epilim – can affect foetal development but, unfathomably, that fact was never shared with the women when it was prescribed.

Janet and Emma met through a shared mission to discover why their children had life-altering disabilities. They became tireless campaigners, joined by hundreds of other families with similar experiences, but met a sexist medical establishment. Some were advised to take parenting classes, as if the problems were their own fault.

An estimated 20,000 children have been affected by Epilim – more than by thalidomide. “When you think about it, you just get stumped for words,” says Janet. “It’s like – how the hell has this happened?”

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rolenameDirectorLottie GammonProducerLaura SmithProducerBen GaleProducerTammy Hale

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