The DES Scandal: A National Shame That Still Hasn't Been Addressed
Diethylstilbestrol, commonly known in the UK as Stilbestrol or DES, was routinely prescribed to pregnant women from the 1940s to the 1970s to help prevent miscarriage.
We now know the truth: DES is linked to cancer, infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, and rare reproductive disorders—not just for the women who were prescribed it, but for their children, too.
A Silent Scandal That Can No Longer Be Ignored
For decades, the devastating impact of DES has been ignored, unreported, and swept under the rug. The UK government has done nothing to acknowledge the damage, let alone investigate how such a dangerous drug was handed out so freely, without informed consent or follow-up care.
We believe those affected by DES deserve answers, accountability, and justice. That starts with awareness and pressure on the UK government to acknowledge this scandal and act now.
What We're Fighting For
We're calling on the UK government to:
- Acknowledge the scale and impact of DES exposure
- Launch a statutory public inquiry into how this happened
- Consider a compensation fund to support those living with the lifelong effects
- A comprehensive screening programme for those affected by DES to detect rare cancers earlier
- Raise awareness of DES for UK health professionals so that they understand its impact
Take Action: Send a Letter to Your MP
The goal of this campaign is simple: get as many MPs as possible to raise the DES scandal in Parliament. We want to make sure all 647 UK MPs receive this letter at least once.
Why? Because awareness drives action. And parliamentary action is how we start to secure real recognition and support for those affected.
Hundreds of thousands of people may have been impacted. But with medical records destroyed and the effects stretching back over 80 years, we may never know the true number.
What we do know is this: government action today could save lives, through enhanced cancer screenings and proper care for those exposed to DES.
Join us in sending a letter to your MP now. It only takes a minute, but it could change everything.
Are You Affected by DES? You’re Not Alone
For too long, those harmed by DES have suffered in silence, many without even knowing what happened to them. Some only learned about DES through social media or word of mouth.
The DES Daughters and Sons Support Group UK is a safe, private space created by Suzanne, a DES Daughter, for people who have been affected to connect, share, and support each other.
If you or someone you love may have been harmed by DES, please join the group and find others who understand.
Join the DES Justice UK Campaign
Together, we can force this issue into the spotlight and hold the government to account.
✅ Send the letter
✅ Spread the word
✅ Support those impacted
✅ Support those impacted
It’s time for truth. It’s time for justice. It’s time to act.
Letter Campaign by
DES Justice UK