Helen Caldicott

Australian physician and anti-nuclear advocate

Helen Mary Caldicott (born 7 August 1938) is an Australian physician, author, and anti-nuclear advocate. She has been a prominent figure in the movement against nuclear weapons and nuclear power, advocating for environmental and public health issues.

Early Life and Education

Helen Caldicott was born in Melbourne, Australia. She attended the University of Adelaide, where she earned her medical degree in 1961. Her early career was marked by her work in pediatrics, which laid the foundation for her later advocacy in public health and environmental issues.

Medical Career

Caldicott's medical career began in earnest when she worked as a pediatric intern at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. She later moved to the United States, where she worked at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston. Her experiences in the medical field, particularly in pediatrics, influenced her views on the health impacts of nuclear radiation.

Anti-Nuclear Advocacy

Helen Caldicott in 2007

Helen Caldicott became actively involved in the anti-nuclear movement in the 1970s. She was a founding member of the Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), an organization that sought to educate the public and the medical community about the dangers of nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Her advocacy was instrumental in raising awareness about the medical and environmental consequences of nuclear technology.

In 1980, Caldicott founded the Women's Action for Nuclear Disarmament (WAND), which later became known as Women's Action for New Directions. This organization focused on empowering women to take action against nuclear proliferation and to promote peace and security.

Publications and Media

Caldicott has authored several books on nuclear and environmental issues, including "Nuclear Madness" and "If You Love This Planet." Her work has been influential in shaping public discourse on nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.

She has also been featured in various media outlets, including documentaries and interviews, where she discusses the health and environmental risks associated with nuclear technology.

Awards and Recognition

Helen Caldicott has received numerous awards for her work, including the LennonOno Grant for Peace and the Nuclear-Free Future Award. Her contributions to public health and environmental advocacy have been recognized internationally.

Later Work and Legacy

In her later years, Caldicott has continued to speak out on issues related to nuclear power, climate change, and environmental sustainability. She remains a vocal advocate for a nuclear-free world and has inspired many to join the cause for global peace and environmental protection.

Related Pages

• Anti-nuclear movement
• Nuclear disarmament
• Environmentalism
• Public health