A reader writes:
There are several IUDs on the market in the US. (Planned Parenthood has a lot of info here.) The reason why there were so many lawsuits about the Dalkon Shield was that it was a horribly designed product. After an IUD is implanted, a short cord is attached to the IUD in the uterus that runs down through the cervix so the IUD can be removed. On the Dalkon Shield, this cord was made of fine woven fibres that acted as a wick to draw fluid from the vagina into the cervix causing infections that rendered tens of thousands of women sterile. Evidence at trial demonstrated that this defect was known to the manufacturer but that they continued to sell the product.
In this instance, the tort system worked exactly as it should have – the negligent manufacturer was bankrupted. (Disclosure – my office represented plaintiffs in the Dalkon Shield cases.)
Another writes:
Speaking from experience, the IUD is amazing.
I had it for two years, and when I wanted another child I had it removed and was pregnant the next month. But when I wanted to have it replaced, I was stunned to find my insurance plan did not cover it. It does, however, cover abortions.
My ob-gyn doesn't get the logic either. My children cost about &10,000 each to deliver, not counting prenatal care. My insurance company covered the vast majority of these expenses. An IUD costs around $1,500 total. Currently I take the pill, but I often forget to take it and I cannot get more than one month at a time. It makes no sense. Want cheaper healthcare? Cover all birth control and make long-term prevention accessible. This also has the added bonus of reducing abortions. Win-win.
The Dish 