The Pill, sexual politics and the horror of thalidomide as Midwife swings into 60s

AS A period drama it has long prided itself on tackling topical issues without upsetting the sensibilities of primetime audiences – from mixed-race marriages to post-war poverty and single mothers.

Now Call The Midwife is turning its gaze to the social revolution of the Sixties, with the new series featuring storylines about the Pill, changing fashions and even lesbianism.

It also tackles thalidomide, the worst medical scandal of the time.

Hi-tech animatronics have enabled programme-makers to create a lifelike baby suffering from the short limbs associated with the effects of the drug, to take part in emotional scenes which are intended to bring the issue to life.

Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, the sister-in-charge at Nonnatus House, said the storyline was “brave” and “beautifully done”.

It has won the backing of the Thalidomide Society, which helps those still living with the condition that resulted from their mothers taking the morning sickness drug during pregnancy.

Dr Ruth Blue, secretary of the society, and script adviser on Call the Midwife, said: “We are extremely pleased that such a popular programme is going to screen some stories featuring thalidomide births. It is now recognised as the greatest man-made medical disaster of the 20th century.

“The thalidomide story should alert viewers of Call the Midwife to the fact that thalidomide survivors are still alive, are still fighting to get the compensation and health support that they need and are still waiting for proper recognition from the companies who made and distributed the drug.”

Heidi Thomas, the show’s creator, said: “People have been asking for some time if we are going to tell the story of how babies and families were affected by this terrible drug.

“I always knew that if we were lucky enough to get as far as series 5, which is set in 1961, the year thalidomide was fi- nally banned, we would be honourbound to tell that story unflinchingly and with love.”

There is humour too, with early hints of the approach of the Swinging Sixties. Trixie develops her own keep-fit classes, raising eyebrows by wearing a skimpy leotard, and the midwives get a television in their quarters.

Helen George, who plays Trixie, said: “The fashion is changing, the music is changing, and so are the home improvements. Instead of doing crochet we’re watching telly.”

The series also explores the then taboo subject of lesbianism, as seen through the relationship of Patsy and The characters in Call the Midwife are seen in a new light in the latest series which moves into the Sixties but they are still delivering babies, including some affected by thalidomide Delia. Emerald Fennel, who plays Patsy, said: “We see the continuation of the characters’ journeys, including Patsy and Delia’s relationship, which was much more clandestine last series.

“If you were discovered as a lesbian, you would have lost your job as a midwife. It was absolutely frowned upon and not discussed.

“In this series, Patsy and Delia are living in Nonnatus House together and they’re carrying on a relationship but nobody knows. It is easy to do because it would never have occurred to people that two women might be having a relationship.”

‘It would never have occurred to people that two women might be having a relationship’