When and how was thalidomide baned?

Thalidomide was banned in most countries in the early 1960s after it was linked to severe birth defects when taken by pregnant women. The drug was initially introduced in the late 1950s as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness but was withdrawn from the market in 1961 following widespread reports of its harmful effects. Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), imposed strict regulations on drug testing and approval processes as a result of the thalidomide tragedy. Today, thalidomide is still used under strict controls for certain conditions, such as multiple myeloma, but is prohibited for use in pregnant women.