The Australian government might set a precedent by compensating people treated with hormones from human pituitary glands, which have been linked to deaths from the rare Creutzfeldt Jakob disease -- the human form of the mad cow disease. This follows the report of an independent inquiry, which found fault with the government's administration of the Australian Human Pituitary Hormone Programme. So far, 4 Australian women treated for infertility with pituitary hormones have died.
The report said that the knowledge that the disease could be transmitted through pituitary hormones was available since the late '60s, but it was not passed on to doctors providing the treatment.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.