Government acts to support generations of women impacted by pregnancy drug scandal within days of DES Justice Campaign launch

Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale brought together campaigners and politicians in Parliament this week to launch the DES Justice Campaign for women affected by a now-banned pregnancy drug Diethylstilbestrol (DES) linked to cancer and infertility. Designed to prevent miscarriage and stop breast milk production, it has left a terrible legacy for generations of women.

Following their meeting on 4 November 2025 - and earlier representations from Jessica this summer - Secretary of State for Health Wes Streeting issued an apology to the women impacted by DES on behalf of the Department of Health, and pledged to do more to support those affected - including raising awareness within the NHS and looking into tracking down women affected, and expanding screening programmes for those women. 

"This is huge news," said Jessica. "These women have been suffering in relative silence for years but now - thanks to an ITV investigation, intervention by MPs like myself and this government - they are a big step closer to getting the justice and support they deserve and need."

The drug, invented in Britain in 1939 and prescribed until the late 70s - despite concerns being raised in the 50s, has been linked to serious health consequences for both the women who took it and their children. Research suggests the 300,000+ women given DES may have a 30% higher risk of breast cancer, while daughters exposed in the womb face about 40 times the risk of developing rare cancers of the cervix and vagina, as well as increased risks of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and premature birth.

Earlier this year, Jessica met with her Bournemouth constituent Jan Hall, whose mum Rita died of breast cancer in her 30s when her daughter was just a baby. Jan herself - along with her daughters - have had to deal with decades of DES-related health complications, often met with a complete lack of understanding about the impact of the harmful drug. Jessica has been campaigning on the issue ever since this meeting, which formed part of an ongoing ITV investigation highlighting the harms of this drug and the plight of its victims. She raised it with the Health Secretary in July, and hosted the official DES Justice Campaign launch in Westminster on Tuesday (3 Nov).

Campaigners highlighted in Westminster how this medical scandal has affected women nationwide. Other countries, such as the Netherlands, have already established specific guidance and screening programmes for those potentially affected by DES, with some also providing compensation. Until now, the UK was yet to take action - but thanks to the efforts of campaigners, journalists and MPs, this changes now.

In his letter to Jessica this week, the Health Secretary said: "I am genuinely sorry that women and their families have suffered for too long. It is only understandable that they feel their healthcare system failed to address this pattern of multigenerational harm by inadequately informing people and protecting them from known harmful effects of DES. 

"My department, and the wider health system, must now lead the way in supporting those impacted by these historic events. That starts with making healthcare professionals aware of the risks associated with prior exposure to DES. I accept that not enough has been done on this in the past and, therefore, I have asked NHS England to work with local Cancer Alliances to ensure that providers are aware of the existing screening guidance which addresses individuals exposed to DES."

DES campaigners have welcomed the government's commitment to right the wrongs of the past and support women affected - including the daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of the women prescribed the damaging drug - with targeted screening and monitoring for those at risk.

Speaking with Jessica from her Bournemouth home, Jan called this a huge step forward, saying: "It's a fantastic result all-round. He (Wes) has taken this on board and there’s cross party agreement on this. It’s a huge step forward - it's amazing. Thank heavens women’s health is now being taken seriously."

She explained how she'd almost given up on campaigning after years of getting nowhere with it, calling this campaign her 'last-ditch attempt' at justice.

Clare Fletcher, partner at Broudie Jackson Canter, who represents the group DES Justice UK, said: "To receive a letter from the Secretary of State with an apology within hours of launching our campaign is a powerful acknowledgment of the trauma these women have endured, and is a strong start to the campaign. But it is only the start.

“Since the campaign launch, around 100 more women and men have come forward. That takes the number of members to over 500, and I expect that number to continue to rise. This is a national scandal that has gone unheard for decades. Now is their time." 

DES Justice UK is now calling on Wes Streeting to meet the victims and launch a full statutory public inquiry, with clear recommendations followed by swift actions. 

Jessica added: "This is potentially the biggest pharmaceutical scandal in British history.  For decades, these incredibly brave women have been fighting to be heard and believed about the devastating impact DES has had on their lives and their children's lives. Their stories are both heart-breaking and inspiring.

"These women deserve honesty, accountability, and proper support and I'm really pleased that is what they are starting to get today under this Labour Government. I'm committed to standing alongside them and ensuring their voices are heard as this vital campaign for justice moves forward."