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 background: The class action, led by Victorian woman Patrice Turner, claimed the women had suffered harm as a result of the Essure device implanted in their bodies.
Turner underwent a hysterectomy at age 32, five years after the contraceptive device was inserted into both fallopian tubes.
She said she suffered from severe pelvic pain and heavy uterine bleeding, which resolved after she underwent major abdominal surgery.
Turner and the other members of the class action claim that Bayer Australia and 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 in line 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 have Essure can continue to rely on the device with confidence. If a woman with Essure has questions or concerns about the device, we encourage her to speak with her doctor.”
What else to know: Essure is a spring-loaded metal coil device that, after insertion into a woman’s fallopian tubes, is designed to cut through the soft tissue of the inner walls.
This was intended to trigger an inflammatory response to encourage the formation of scar tissue around the device, anchoring it in place and blocking the passage of sperm and egg to prevent pregnancy.
In 2017, Bayer stopped distributing Essure in Australia for commercial reasons. After December 31, 2018 Essure was not available in any markets.