Approximately 45% of all pregnancies that occur in the United States are unintended, resulting in increased risks for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes and increased health care costs.
It is estimated that 8% of women aged 15 to 44 use long-acting reversible contraception such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or contraceptive implants to prevent unintended pregnancy. Even though failure rates are low for IUDs, an IUD may fail and pregnancy or injury may result.
IUD insertion and removal may result in injury, and complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, may occur. Injury or infection may be the result of medical negligence.
Manufacturers of IUDs also may face liability for IUD-related injuries. Product liability litigation may include, for example, allegations of defects in the device or inadequate warnings of the risks of the device.
Attorneys, physicians, insurers, employers, risk managers, manufacturers, and other potential parties to litigation need to understand the types of litigation issues that may arise in connection with patient injuries related to IUDs.