The appeal against Allergan
The women’s rights organisation Bureau Clara Wichmann is appealing a court decision regarding the American manufacturer Allergan. In December, a judge ruled that the producer was not liable for illnesses contracted by women after receiving the company’s breast implants. Linde Bryk, head of strategic litigation at the bureau, stated that the group will not let the matter rest. She emphasised that they will continue to fight for all women affected by what they describe as defective implants. This includes those who developed lymphoma or other long-term illnesses.
Health claims and court findings
The bureau represents approximately 60,000 Dutch women. Some reported autoimmune symptoms, while others developed a rare form of lymphatic cancer. However, the court previously found insufficient evidence to link the implants directly to autoimmune complaints. Although the court acknowledged an increased risk of lymphoma, the specific role of the implants remains legally unclear. Consequently, Allergan withdrew the implants from the market in 2018. The bureau described the initial verdict as a “huge disappointment.” They noted that the affected group includes breast cancer survivors and trans women who have received little support from the manufacturer.
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