Essure Class Action Investigation - Birth Control Complications

We understand that since 1999, an estimated 750,000 procedures have taken place around the world. Since then, the device has been the subject of more than 1,000 complaints in the US.Essure has been available in Australia since 2010. While the number of women implanted in Australia is unknown, based on the situation in the US, the numbers could be significant.

The device is still available in Australia. It is currently listed on the Australian Register for Therapeutic goods as Active.

If an Australian Class action or group action were to proceed, it could be argued that the product was unfit for its purpose and that its quality and safety sits below what is expected under Australian Competition and Consumer Law. Furthermore, it may be argued that the manufacturer breached its duty of care to patients in the design, manufacture, marketing and supply of the product.

While litigation can never take away the loss and pain those affected may have experienced, it would seek to recover the compensation those who’ve been harmed need to access the medical treatment they now require.

There may be hundreds of Australian women harmed by this device and who may be entitled to recover damages for what they’ve suffered. It’s important that these women speak up about their experiences.

Anyone implanted with one of these devices and who is suffering should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible.

Essure is the commercial name for a device designed by Bayer for sterilization or permanent birth control. Flexible coils are inserted transvaginally under local or general anaesthesia.

Essure’s micro-inserts are comprised of an expanding coil made of a stainless steel inner coil, a nickel Titanium (nitinol) expanding outer coil and polyethylene (PET) fibres. After placement of the coils in the fallopian tubes, the micro-inserts expand upon release and anchor into the fallopian tubes. The PET fibres cause inflammation in the fallopian tubes, causing scar tissue to form over the coils, thus blocking fertilization.

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