More than 1,000 Australian women suffering from chronic pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding have lost their class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer over a contraceptive device.
The context: The class action, led by Victorian woman Patrice Turner, claimed the women suffered harm as a direct result of having the Essure device implanted in their bodies.
Turner had a hysterectomy at age 32, five years after the contraceptive device was inserted into both of her fallopian tubes.
She claimed to have suffered severe pelvic pain and heavy uterine bleeding, which resolved after undergoing major abdominal surgery.
Turner and the other members of the class action alleged that Bayer Australia and the other companies involved in the design, manufacturing and marketing of Essure breached their duty of care.
The key quote: “Bayer welcomes today’s Court decision as it is consistent with the scientific profile of the safety and effectiveness of Essure, a permanent contraceptive device for women,” Bayer said in a statement Tuesday.
“Women who currently wear Essure can continue to rely on the device with confidence. If a woman wearing Essure has questions or concerns about the device, we encourage her to speak to her healthcare provider. »
What else to know: Essure is a spring-loaded metal spiral device that, after insertion into a woman’s fallopian tubes, was designed to cut the soft tissue of the inner walls.
The goal was to trigger an inflammatory response that encourages scar tissue to form around the device, securing it in place and blocking the passage of sperm and eggs to prevent pregnancy.
In 2017, Bayer discontinued distribution of Essure in Australia for commercial reasons. After December 31, 2018, Essure was not available in any market.
