What is Diethylstilbestrol (DES)?
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was a synthetic hormone, prescribed to an estimated 300,000 women in the UK from the 1940s to the early 1980s. Marketed as a “wonder drug” to prevent miscarriage and promote healthy babies, it was also given to stop breast milk production.
DES was created by a government scientist using public funds, never patented, and manufactured by hundreds of companies. Despite early evidence of harm, it continued to be prescribed without proper oversight, leading to one of the UK’s worst pharmaceutical scandals.
Our Mission
Awareness: Training for all healthcare professionals about DES.
Accountability: A statutory public inquiry and government answers.
Screening: Lifelong, targeted screening for those at risk.
Compensation: Recognition and support for stolen lives and ongoing trauma.
Contact Us
Please do not hesitate to get in touch. Whether you have been affected by DES, believe you or a loved one may have been affected, would like more information, or are able to support the campaign in any way, we would love to hear from you.