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From: rbg@cbosgd.UUCP (Richard Goldschmidt)
Newsgroups: net.med,net.women
Subject: Re: IUDs & the Dalkon Shield
Message-ID: <798@cbosgd.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 28-Jan-85 09:47:34 EST
Article-I.D.: cbosgd.798
Posted: Mon Jan 28 09:47:34 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 30-Jan-85 04:21:46 EST
References: <7719@brl-tgr.ARPA>
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Organization: Columbus Bell Labs, Silver Lining
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Xref: watmath net.med:1220 net.women:4282

NPR's recent discussion raised the possibility (denied by the manufacturer,
A.H. Robbins) that the Dalkon Shield had more health risks because it had
two long strings attached rather than one shorter one.  These strings are
thought to produce a "wicking" effect which allows bacteria from the vagina
to enter the uterus, producing frequent infections.  There may well be other
health hazards associated with the design.  The point that impressed me most
about their interveiw with an A.H. Robbins official was his reaction.  He
emphasized the financial and image problems faced by the company as a result
of lawsuits, and said that if they had it to do over again they certainly
wouldn't.  It is upsetting that those concerns are paramount rather than the
women who died or have become infertile as a result of this device.

Rich Goldschmidt     {ucbvax,ihnp4,decvax,allegra} !cbosgd!rbg
		     ARPA:  cbosgd!rbg@ucbvax