Johnson&Johnson faces class action suit in Australia

US health giant Johnson&Johnson is in the dock in Australia in a class action brought by more than 700 women who claim the company’s vaginal implant caused them devastating pain, ravaged their bodies and, in some cases, ruined their lives.

Some of the devices began to erode into surrounding tissue and organs, causing infections and complications. The mesh cannot be removed.

“The consequences suffered by these women have been horrific and so many have suffered in silence for years. Today is their chance to be
heard and to seek justice for what they have lost. This is about accountability, and in ensuring that this never happens again,” said lawyer Rebecca Jancauskas.

“I have literally been praying for nine years that this would come to light, that there would be accountability for what has happened to us. No amount of
compensation, money, could ever replace what we have lost with our lives, with our families, our health, our emotional health, our physical health,” said plaintiff
Gai Thompson.

Johnson&Johnson said the use of mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence has successfully helped millions of women worldwide,
and said the majority of women who undergo the surgery have had a positive result.