Failed Contraceptive Implant Results in Unwanted Pregnancies
According to recent media reports, over 550 women have become unexpectedly pregnant whilst using the contraceptive implant Implanon. In some cases, women have been successful in claiming compensation for the effects of an unwanted pregnancy.
Introduced in 1998, Implanon is a plastic rod which is inserted into the arm and releases hormones into the blood stream to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. The effects are said to last for three years and many women rely on it as a form of contraception. However in a number of cases the implant has proved ineffective and women have become pregnant when they did not plan to do so.
The manufacturers of Implanon claim that it is 99% effective, however this is only the case if it has been inserted into the arm correctly. It is thought that in many cases the failure of the implant has been as the result of it being incorrectly inserted. There have also been cases where women have suffered from pain and discomfort due to the implant being inserted too deeply and even instances were women were told that an implant had been inserted when in fact it had not. Following complaints from healthcare providers, Implanon was taken off the market last year and has been replaced with an alternative product that is easier to insert.
Whilst the number of women reported to have become pregnant whilst using Implanon is around 550, the true number of women affected is likely to be much higher. Falling pregnant unexpectedly can be a traumatic experience. Women may be forced to bring up a child that they had not planned for, suffer complications during the pregnancy or have to make the difficult decision to undergo a termination. In many cases the women affected may suffer from psychological difficulties.
If you believe that you may have a claim in relation to Implanon please contact the Clinical Negligence Department at Lanyon Bowdler.