Implant Recipients Say Dow Lied; Congress Asked to Act

Dozens of women who say their breast implants made them sick went to the Capitol Wednesday, accusing Dow Corning Corp. of lying and asking Congress to investigate.

Also Wednesday, Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. (D-Ohio) asked for an investigation into whether the company lied in 1990 testimony before Congress about the safety of the implants.

“I am asking Atty. Gen. Janet Reno to look into possible criminal violations,” Traficant announced to the applause of the women holding a rally near the Capitol steps.

Janet Van Winkle, founder of American Silicone Implant Survivors, said the women have launched a petition drive to get congressional leaders to listen to their complaints. “We have been lied to. As consumers, we have been lied to, as patients we have been lied to. Congress has been lied to,” she said.

The Kirkwood, Mo., woman said that since her breast implant surgery in 1976 she has been ill with numerous implant ruptures.

In April, Dow Corning, the biggest implant maker; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., and several other corporations settled a class-action suit with more than 400,000 women for $4.25 billion. Dow Corning’s share of the largest product-liability settlement in U.S. history was $2 billion.

Since then, about 70,000 women have filed claims, far more than initial expectations. That means women who were expecting net payments ranging from $105,000 to $1.4 million could receive as little as $5,250 to $70,000.

The women say that unless there is an increase in the fund they may opt out of the agreement and file separate suits.