A recent court ruling in South Dakota could have profound implications for legal actions over the alleged link between baby powder and ovarian cancer.

The Case

The baby powder cancer lawsuit centered on a South Dakota woman named Deane Berg. Berg developed ovarian cancer at age 56, allegedly due to using Johnson & Johnson baby powder products for feminine hygiene. According to the Johnson’s baby powder lawsuit, Berg had no other risk factors for ovarian cancer. She later learned of evidence that suggested a link between ovarian cancer and baby powder, and brought suit against Johnson & Johnson for negligence, failure to warn, and other violations.

The Ruling

The federal court in south Dakota made several key rulings. First, they ruled that the Johnson & Johnson baby powder products, including “Shower-to-Shower” powder, were a “contributing factor” in Berg’s ovarian cancer. Additionally, the court ruled that due to the risk of ovarian cancer, talc-based products are “defective” if not labeled to warn patients of the risk.

Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer

There are two common formulations of baby powder. One is plant-based. The other derived from the mineral talc. Sometimes called talcum powder, this mineral-based baby powder has bee linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

The earliest suspicions about baby powder and ovarian cancer date back to the 1970s. An early study found that as many as three-quarters of ovarian tumors had talc embedded in them. While this alone could not prove the link, it did suggest that further research was needed, paving the way for future studies.

However, more recent research has provided more concrete evidence of a link between talc-based baby powder and ovarian cancer. For example, in 2013, the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Prevention Research published a meta-analysis on the subject. A meta-analysis is a type of study wherein researchers study other studies, comparing and contrasting their results. This allows for existing research to be evaluated, and data pooled to allow for further analysis. This study found that talc-based baby powder, when used on the genitals, could increase a person’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Baby Powder Class Action Lawsuits

The South Dakota case may have paved the way for additional litigation over baby powder cancer claims. Talc-based products are widespread, and many women use them. This could lead to a Johnson’s baby powder class action lawsuit by women who claim the product caused ovarian cancer.

Such a Johnson’s baby powder class action lawsuit could help victims obtain compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

The first Johnson’s baby powder cancer lawsuit is Deane Berg v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., Case No. 4179, filed in the U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota.

Take Action

If you or a loved one received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer after using talc-based products, like baby powder or Johnson & Johnson’s “Shower to Shower,” you’ve almost certainly been through a trying ordeal. Ovarian cancer is a major medical crisis, and when facing such a challenge, many people feel overwhelmed, or even depressed.

If you or someone you know used one of the listed baby powders and developed ovarian cancer,  legal options are available. See if you qualify to join a free baby powder class action lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries.