Behind the Bastards Let's Talk About Thalidomide
Aug 31, 2021
Francesca Fiorentini, a sharp commentator and creator, joins the discussion on the dark legacy of thalidomide, a drug that caused severe birth defects. They delve into the shocking connections between the pharmaceutical industry and Nazi war criminals, revealing how ethics were often disregarded for profit. The conversation also highlights the heroic efforts of one FDA doctor who fought against its approval. With a mix of humor and gravity, they explore the ongoing repercussions of medical negligence and corporate deceit.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
IG Farben at Auschwitz
- Otto Ambrose oversaw IG Farben's Auschwitz factory, using slave labor from the SS.
- IG Farben employees even bought clothes stolen from gassed victims.
Cold War Priorities
- After WWII, instead of dismantling German industries, the Allies prioritized preparing for a potential war with the USSR.
- Many Nazi war criminals, including scientists and military leaders, were pardoned or given lighter sentences.
Grunenthal's Nazi Employees
- Grunenthal, a German pharmaceutical company, hired numerous Nazi war criminals.
- These included individuals involved in forced labor and concentration camps, like Otto Ambrose.