Cross-posted from The Tortellini, a new blog on law and politics.
The FDA's recent decision to allow silicone breast implants back on the market has tort reformers buzzing about the travesty of the $3.2 billion settlement between Dow Corning and some 170,000 women who sued the company alleging that its silicone implants caused caused a variety of ailments, particularly autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. Dow settled the suits in bankruptcy court in 1998, a few years after the implants were pulled off the market.
Now, critics of the litigation suggest that the FDA's decision means silicone boobs are perfectly safe, that everyone should run out and get a pair, and that Dow should get its money back. But take a look at this patient brochure from Mentor, the manufacturer of one of the new implants now making their way into women's chests.
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