More than 20,000 women have shared their stories of serious harm by the contraceptive device Essure, and they are working to get the device pulled from the market. The movement that started as a Facebook group has gained the support of celebrity activist Erin Brockovich, prompted an FDA panel meeting, and a bill that would revoke Essure’s approval, called the E-Free Act, is to be introduced on November 4, 2015.
One Facebook Group, over 23,000 Members
Angie Firmalino started Essure Problems, in 2011, two years into her ordeal with Essure. She suffered severe pain that began as the coils were being inserted, and never went away. She has undergone several surgeries including a hysterectomy and subsequent surgeries because she was still experiencing heavy bleeding. The group has grown to 23,846 members who call themselves e-sisters.
FDA Safety Review
On September 24, 2015, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), held a panel meeting to review the risks and benefits of Essure. The expert panel criticized the device maker for failing to collect the information that could have predicted the risks of Essure. The panel also made several recommendations to the FDA, but the agency does not have to follow them.
Several women who have been harmed by Essure also spoke at the meeting. What the FDA will do with what it learned is yet to be seen.
Erin Brockovich Speaks
Erin Brockovich has been campaigning heavily against Essure. When interviewed on Australia’s Sunday Night, she asked how many women have to be harmed before something is done to stop it, and added, “I’d love to see the headline ‘20,000 men’s penises fall off’. I’m telling you, the world would stop.”
If you have been harmed by Essure, please talk to an experienced defective medical device attorney right away to learn more about your rights.
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