Frances Kelsey Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

AGE

101

Dr. Frances Kelsey, the Canadian doctor who refused to authorize the dangerous drug thalidomide while working for the U.S. FDA, has died according to the Associated Press. She was 101.

Kelsey was hired by the FDA in 1960 to review approval applications for new drugs. In the early 1960s she opposed an application for the drug thalidomide, then being prescribed in other countries for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.

Against pressure from the pharmaceutical industry she stood her ground. Her opposition was vindicated when new scientific evidence revealed crippling birth defects in infants were the direct result of their mothers taking the drug. Thalidomide crossed the placental barrier resulting in abnormally short limbs or in some cases no legs or arms at all.

Kelsey received the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service from President John F. Kennedy in 1962. She continued working for the FDA until her retirement in 2005 at the age of 90.

She was also awarded the Order of Canada in a private ceremony less than 24 hours before her death on Friday, August 7, 2015 at her daughter's home in London, Ontario.

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Even though it's been almost 5 yrs I'm sure your loss is still felt and I send my sympathy. I was watching a documentary on Thalidomide Babies on youtube. I learned about Dr. Kelsey in nursing school (mid 80's) when an instructor spoke about the actions of ONE woman that prevented this drug from approval in the USA. I've often thought of that. So I thank her family for her steadfastness and resilience in standing her ground and helping so many women to have healthy babies. I also thank...

Lane Student

April 18, 2020 | Yonkers, NY | Student

Very few people impact lives to the extent that Dr. Kelsey did. If it were not for her integrity and the courage to stand up for what she knew was right, many more children would have suffered. Dr. Kelsey has earned a place in the annuls of medicine, research, and politics. We are fortunate to have her as a model for humanity.
My sympathy to her family on her passing.
Marlene Brennan

March 09, 2017

Valenda Newell

November 26, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN

Matthew McGuire

August 26, 2015 | Cheshire, CT

To be intelligent can be good, but to have those who are intelligent, ethical and compassionate is truly remarkable. Dr Kelsey certainly fits that description.
May her family take comfort in knowing all the heartache that her firm stand prevented.
Very sorry for your loss and may God's peace be with you. Psalm 46:1

Amy

August 13, 2015 | GA

Thank you for standing your ground and saving many expecting parents a heart ache. God bless you and may your rest in His presence.

August 13, 2015

Kind wishes to Susan and Chris. Happy memories will comfort you.

ELLIE

August 13, 2015 | Kensington, MD

,you have had a beautiful life... I will be soon 77,in good health , no pill ,no doctor... I will look for you in Heaven, Frances. Jacques V

Jacques V

August 12, 2015 | Glendale, CA

Thank you for being a true physician and proponent of the part of the Hippocratic oath of "do no harm". Rest in peace and enjoy your angel wings...you earned them!

Toresea Dunaway

August 12, 2015 | West Warwick, RI

Frances Kelsey

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