Another talcum powder lawsuit has seen favorable results in Missouri. Unlike in New Jersey, where Multicounty Litigation (MCL) Judge Nelson C. Johnson rejected the science linking talc to ovarian cancer claims, a Missouri court again ruled in favor of the plaintiff—this time to the tune of $70 million. The plaintiff, Deborah Giannecchini of Modesto, California was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. In April and May of 2016, a Missouri court awarded $72 million and $55 million, respectively, for claims against Johnson & Johnson for ovarian cancer linked to its talcum powder products.

The cases are controversial. Johnson & Johnson, defendant in the talcum powder lawsuit, maintains that talcum powder is safe. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that women who used talcum powder can have a 40% higher chance of contracting ovarian cancer. Studies on the subject began in the 1970s and experts in the Missouri trial claim the link is strong. There are over 2000 claimants in cases related to talcum powder venued in different courts across the country. Johnson & Johnson is expected to appeal the most recent decision, as well as the two prior Missouri rulings.