INDIANAPOLIS -- Rhonda Low of Indianapolis is among the hundreds of people suing Johnson & Johnson over its baby powder and shower to shower products.
The complaints claim using those products for feminine hygieneincreases the risk of ovarian cancer.
“It’s concerning to me, so I wanted to be a voice for those who don’t know and now trying to get the word out to them,” said Low.
She said she has used both of the products for decades, though mainly the baby powder.
She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015 and underwent surgeries and chemotherapy. For the past year, she has been cancer free.
“Every day is a great day. It’s part your medicines and positive attitude I think,” said Low.
Indianapolis-based law firm Cohen & Malad is representing Low and about 200 other women around the country in the legal battle against the products. Many are waiting for their day in court, but are hopeful after a jury in Los Angeles awarded $417 million in damages in a separate case earlier this week.
Attorney TaKeena Thompson said there are internal documents and e-mails she will use to make her case against Johnson & Johnson.
“Now that you have this information as a consumer, you’ll want to do your own research. If you’ve been using this product for decades regularly you may want to visit your physician and get checked out,” said Thompson.
Johnson & Johnson responded with a statement and an independent analysis to challenge the lawsuits.
“Ovarian cancer is a devastating diagnosis and we deeply sympathize with the women and families impacted by this disease. We will appeal the verdict because we are guided by the science, which supports the safety of Johnson's baby powder. In April, the National Cancer Institute's Physician data query editorial board wrote, 'the weight of evidence does not support an association between perineal talc exposure and an increased risk of ovarian cancer,” said Johnson & Johnson spokesperson Carol Goodrich.
Goodrich added the company is preparing for additional trials and will continue to defend the safety of its baby powder.
