Ethicon Pelvic Repair MDL Judge Dismisses Canadian Woman’s Case; Finds Canada is ‘Adequate Alternative Forum’

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The judge overseeing the Ethicon pelvic repair system multidistrict litigation has dismissed a case filed by a Canadian plaintiff, finding Canada is an “adequate alternative forum” and a majority of the anticipated evidence and witnesses are located in Canada.

On Jan. 30, Judge Joseph R. Goodwin of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at Charleston further held that Canada has a strong interest in regulating mesh products marketed and sold in that country.

Canadian resident Frances Belanger alleges she was implanted with Ethicon’s Gynemesh in June 2005 and as a result …