Here in the U.S., we have lived with the confidence that the medications sold over the counter, by prescription or administered to patients in the hospital have undergone a thorough process to ensure their safety. The Food and Drug Administration has announced plans to use a reduced review process. The goal stated is to prioritize medications deemed as “supporting US national interests.” National interests can mean many different things to different people. FDA’s prime concern should always be public health.

Lesser drug regulations in other countries and years back in the USA led to many deaths and fetal deformities. One of the most famous drugs causing deaths and birth defects is thalidomide. It was used in the 1950’s-60’s in pregnant women for morning sickness resulting in thousands of

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