Johnson & Johnson is facing a new baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit from a Texas woman filing on behalf of her late mother.

Plaintiff Debra C. is filing this baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit on behalf of Melva C., who reportedly died due to talcum powder exposure. According to the claim, Melva had began using talcum powder in 1952 for typical application purposes. Debra alleges her mother developed ovarian cancer as a direct result of exposure to the talc in Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products.

Like other plaintiffs raising similar claims against Johnson & Johnson, Debra alleges the company promoted its talc-based products for personal feminine hygiene use. Melva had regularly used talcum powder for this purpose, and had used either Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder or shower to shower powder in accordance with the product’s label.

Even though Melva had only used the product for its intended purpose, she eventually developed what Debra believes to be baby powder ovarian cancer and was diagnosed with the condition on Nov. 1, 2011. Despite treatment, Melva died from ovarian cancer on June 19, 2015.

Debra opting to file legal action soon thereafter. She alleges her mother’s death was directly caused by baby powder ovarian cancer, and that the company had known about the potential risks associated with their talcum powder products for years.

Overview of Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer

Since the 1980s, there have been at least 20 different studies indicating a risk between ovarian cancer and talcum powder. However, it has not been until recently that the risk of baby powder ovarian cancer has come under broader public scrutiny.

Researchers believe that when talc is applied to the genital area on women, the talc particles may enter the body and eventually embedded themselves into the ovaries. After sitting there for a number of years, the talc particles can potentially fester and evolve into cancer cells.

Talc is a soft material that can be broken down into fine powder, which is later added to hygienic products. For at least a century, Johnson & Johnson has marketed its talcum baby powder and shower to shower powders as safe and easy methods for personal hygiene.

In addition, Johnson & Johnson allegedly marketed these talc-based products for feminine hygienic purposes, even though the company was reportedly aware of the studies indicating a link.

Debra is filing her baby powder ovarian cancer lawsuit in MDL No. 2738, where it will stand alongside other talcum powder claims alleging similar injuries. By joining the MDL, Debra’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will likely not encounter different rulings from different judges. Debra alleges Johnson & Johnson either knew or should have known of the alleged baby powder ovarian cancer correlation, and failed to warn the public.

Debra states that her mother never would have used the talcum powder products if she had known about the alleged risk of baby powder ovarian cancer.

This Baby Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-04447-FLW-LHG in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.