J&J Facing High-Stakes Talc Trial Over 22 Women’s Cancer Claims

Johnson & Johnson has defended lawsuits alleging its baby powder caused ovarian cancer in women in the past, but the stakes in a trial beginning in St. Louis June 6 are massively higher, as 22 women try to link their illnesses to exposure to asbestos in the company’s talc.

The case is part of a recent wave of trials over allegations the company sold talc in its iconic white Johnson’s Baby Powder bottles knowing it was tainted with asbestos and failed to warn consumers to protect the brand. The company steadfastly maintains there is no asbestos in its baby powder ...