New Settlement Offer by Breast Implant Makers: Good Deal for the Companies, Raw Deal for Women.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 1995--Consumer attorneys, who represent some of the tens of thousands of women suffering from silicone poisoning as a result of leaking or ruptured breast implants, criticized a new settlement offer by three makers of silicone gel breast implants.

Baxter International, Bristol Myers Squibb and 3M have approved a new offer to women whose health was damaged due to their companies' faulty implants.

"This deal is in the best interests of the companies, not the women," said Bruce Brusavich, president-elect of Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. "They call it a good deal, but let's be frank: they're holding all the cards."

The new offer makes it more difficult for women with silicone poisoning to document their medical conditions. It also allows the three companies to challenge or reject claims.

While the breast implant companies claim there is no scientific evidence that silicone poisoning is the cause of health problems in over 96,000 women, consumer attorneys point to numerous clinical studies that have stood up in court again and again, as well as clear evidence that breast implant makers covered up the dangers of silicone for years. They also expect new evidence in the coming weeks that will conclusively link silicone and connective-tissue disease in women.

"These three companies have been struggling to come out with a new offer before new scientific studies come out with additional proof of the damage their products have caused," said Brusavich. "They're trying to get the best deal they can before scientific evidence and public opinion turns against them."

CONTACT: The Hemingway Media Group

Amy Sabel, 310/274-7406