WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is leaving in place a $2 billion verdict in favor of women who claim they developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson & Johnson talc products.<\/p>\n
The justices did not comment Tuesday in rejecting Johnson & Johnson\u2019s appeal. The company argued that it was not treated fairly in facing one trial involving 22 cancer sufferers who came from 12 states and different backgrounds.<\/p>\n
A Missouri jury initially awarded the women $4.7 billion, but a state appeals court dropped two women from the suit and reduced the award to $2 billion. The jury found that the company\u2019s talc products contain asbestos and asbestos-laced talc can cause ovarian cancer. The company disputes both points.<\/p>\n
Johnson & Johnson, which is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has stopped selling its iconic talc-based Johnson\u2019s Baby Powder in the U.S. and Canada, though it remains on the market elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Justices Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh took no part in the court\u2019s action. Alito owns $15,000 to $50,000 in Johnson & Johnson stock. Kavanaugh\u2019s father headed the trade association that lobbied against labeling talc a carcinogen and including a warning label on talc products.<\/p>\n
Ethicists contacted by The Associated Press said they did not think E. Edward Kavanaugh\u2019s role required his son to step aside from the case.<\/p>\n