Ms Webb and Ms Brown were two of those affected by the drug.
“My mom had that drug forcibly given to her, and I was born two years later, so that’s in my system,” Ms Brown said.
Ms Webb said the impact was devastating.
“I’ve spent thousands over the years on all sorts of drugs to keep myself sane and keep my body from falling apart.”
In her demand for compensation from multinational pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co over its production of Stilbestrol, she uses James Hardie’s Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund as a case study.
• Natasha Brown (top) and Kerry Webb are seeking answers about WA’s forced adoption era. Photo by Logeenth Rao
“James Hardie was forced to set up a fund for asbestos.
“Maybe the government can pull their finger out and actually help us do that,” Ms Brown said.
“Compensation’s not going to take away what was done, but it’s going to ensure that it’s never done again. Money speaks volumes.”
The rally will be on May 13 at 11am.
The Department of Communities told the Herald the state government “is committed to improving outcomes for people impacted by past forced adoptions.
• Desplex was a brand name for Stilbestrol, which was foujnd to increase cancer risks and birth abnormalities.
“The state government continues to work collaboratively with survivors to ensure the wrongs of the past are never forgotten and never repeated.
“In late 2025, the state government released its first annual progress report on the Government response to … Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives.
“In the first 12 months, 75 per cent of supported recommendations were either completed or commenced by the state government to address the historic harms of past forced adoption practices.
“Importantly, the establishment of the WA Forced Adoption Reference Group continues to play a key role in providing advice to the government and ensures that people with lived experience have a central role in shaping the legislation, policies and practices that impact them.
“The state government has also made important changes to improve awareness of and access to information and records, increased transparency in adoption data and provision of information on the legislation, improved awareness of available mental health and support services, and improved consistency in service delivery.
“The state government understands redress remains a key priority for people directly impacted by forced adoption.
“Given the significance of redress for people directly impacted by forced adoption, and the complexity of any potential scheme, further consideration is required.
“The state government is currently delivering the Stolen Generations redress scheme – a huge undertaking which will offer lessons and insights for any future schemes.
“Lessons from Victoria who established a redress scheme commencing February 2024 following the initial establishment of a Forced Adoption Exceptional Circumstances Fund have shown how important it is to take the time to get any proposal right.”
If you or anyone you know who suffered from forced adoption needs support:
Relationships WA Forced Adoption Support Service 1300 364 277 or (08) 6164 0250
Association Representing Mothers Separated from their Children by Adoption Inc (ARMS) 0468 444 995
Adoption Research and Counselling Services Inc (ARCS) (08) 9370 4914
Lifeline 13 11 14