Talc-based products remain under intense legal scrutiny
Thousands of women continue to pursue justice after ovarian cancer and mesothelioma diagnoses. Attention remains on Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower product lines, two household names tied to decades of controversy.
What’s happening now
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Over 66,000 cases and counting
The federal Multidistrict Litigation in New Jersey continues to grow, now with over 67,000 lawsuits filed by women and families seeking accountability for talc products linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. These cases are helping shape one of the largest mass tort actions in U.S. history.
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Johnson & Johnson bankruptcy attempts rejected
In March 2025, a federal judge in Texas rejected Johnson & Johnson’s third bankruptcy attempt through subsidiary Red River Talc LLC, an effort to limit financial liability to victims. With those attempts blocked, J&J is expected to face cases individually in court. The coming months are likely to see renewed settlement discussions, mediations, and bellwether trials that may set the tone for future payouts.
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Jury verdicts continue to send a message
Boston (2025)
$8 million awarded to a mesothelioma victim.
Boston (2025)
$42 million verdict related to asbestos exposure from talc.
Los Angeles (Oct 2025)
$966 million awarded to the family of a mesothelioma victim.
Earlier outcomes
$4.69B Missouri verdict later reduced to $2.1B, and a $417M California award.
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Mediation and settlement efforts underway
A mediator was appointed in July 2025 to facilitate settlement negotiations for ovarian cancer claims in the MDL. Both sides are under court order to engage in good-faith discussions. Thousands of new cases continue to be filed monthly.
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Regulatory and scientific backing
- Scientific studies: Peer-reviewed research, including a 2024 Journal of Clinical Oncology study, indicates a 30–60% increased risk of ovarian cancer from genital talc use.
- Regulatory stance: The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies genital talc use as a “probable human carcinogen.”
- Corporate knowledge: Court documents indicate Johnson & Johnson knew about potential asbestos contamination risks as early as 1971 yet continued marketing without warnings.
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What’s next
- Bellwether trials will continue to shape settlement ranges.
- Bankruptcy tactics remain blocked, keeping cases active in civil court.
- New filings and state-court actions are expected to accelerate through 2026.
What this means for you
If you or a loved one regularly used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower and were later diagnosed with ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, you may still qualify for financial compensation. Even if you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, or you’re concerned about time limits, Pursuing can help you find out in minutes.
Check your eligibility now
Use Pursuing’s Free Case Checker to instantly see if you may qualify for compensation related to talc exposure.
- Verify eligibility in under 2 minutes
- Connect with vetted legal partners
- Stay updated on settlement progress and case developments