Scots campaigners seeking justice for children allegedly harmed by the hormone pregnancy test Primodos have received renewed support from Prime Minister Andy Burnham. In his first major speech in the House of Commons since returning as an MP, Burnham expressed backing for families who say the drug caused serious health issues in their children during the 1970s.

Primodos, a hormone-based pregnancy test, was withdrawn from the market in 1978 amid concerns over its safety. The drug’s manufacturer, Schering—now part of Bayer—has consistently denied any link between Primodos and birth defects. However, a 2020 independent review criticized health regulators for failing patients and concluded that Primodos was responsible for “avoidable harm.” The controversy is estimated to have affected hundreds of women and their children in Scotland.

Among those campaigning for recognition and redress is Wilma Ord, 79, from Livingston, who took Primodos in 1970. Her daughter Kirsteen, now 56, lives with deafness, severe asthma, and cerebral palsy. Ord said she welcomed Burnham’s mention of Primodos campaigners in his speech and expressed hope that his leadership would bring about justice.

Marie Lyon of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests described Burnham’s acknowledgment as a significant moment for families still awaiting answers. “It has been a difficult time as we continue to lose more members each year, while waiting for justice,” she said. Lyon highlighted the urgency, noting that many of those affected by Primodos are advancing in age and that the campaigners’ struggle has stretched over decades.

Burnham has previously accused the UK government of “using its might” to intimidate and silence disabled campaigners involved in legal proceedings. In 2022, he condemned the government’s approach to the case as “barely believable,” stressing that victims of medical negligence should not face such obstacles. More recently, he reiterated his support during a speech focused on proposed legislation aimed at preventing government cover-ups. This new law is expected to compel officials to disclose more information about Primodos, potentially aiding ongoing legal efforts.

Campaigners suffered a setback in 2023 when attempts to secure compensation were unsuccessful, leaving claimants potentially liable for legal costs. Despite this, the hope is that increased transparency through the proposed law will help bring clarity and some resolution to the long-running dispute.

Bayer stated that, based on extensive scientific research, there is no established causal relationship between Primodos use and a higher incidence of congenital anomalies. The company maintains its position amid ongoing calls for accountability from affected families and campaigners.