As we have discussed in previous posts, studies have shown that the ingredients contained in the birth control product NuvaRing® have been linked to various forms of severe side-effects including: heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (also known as DVT or blood clots), internal organ damage, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism.

In addition to state mass tort actions, similar matters are proceeding in the parallel federal multi-district litigation, which is currently before The Hon. Rodney W. Sippel, U.S.D.J. in the Eastern District of Missouri. A discovery schedule for the Phase 1 bellwether cases was issued, requiring completion of fact discovery by June 24, 2011, depositions of plaintiffs’ experts by October 24, 2011, and depositions of defendants’ experts by February 20, 2012.