Frontline Season 14 Episode 11 Breast Implants on Trial

In season 14 episode 11 of Frontline, titled "Breast Implants on Trial," the show delves into the controversy surrounding silicone breast implants. Throughout the episode, Frontline examines the lawsuits and debates surrounding the safety of silicone implants, and the role of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in regulating them.

The episode begins by exploring the rise in popularity of breast implants in the 1980s and the initial concerns raised about their safety. It then transitions into the case of Maria Stern, a woman who received silicone implants and allegedly suffered severe health problems as a result. Stern's case is taken up by attorney Sybil Goldrich, and we see how Goldrich and her colleagues build a class-action lawsuit against Dow Corning, one of the major manufacturers of silicone implants.

As the case moves forward, Frontline highlights the difficulties faced by Goldrich and the plaintiffs as they try to prove a connection between silicone implants and health problems, such as autoimmune disorders. The show also explores the tactics used by Dow Corning to challenge the lawsuit and defend their product. This includes hiring private investigators to dig up damaging information about the plaintiff's personal lives and using aggressive legal tactics to delay the trial.

Frontline also examines the role of the FDA in regulating silicone implants, and the controversy over the agency's approach. In the early 1990s, the FDA declared a moratorium on silicone implants, citing concerns about their safety. However, the ban was reversed in 2006, and today silicone implants are widely available.

Throughout the episode, Frontline interviews a range of experts, including doctors, scientists, lawyers, and journalists, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced picture of the debate over breast implants. The show also includes testimony from women who have received implants and experienced both positive and negative outcomes.

Ultimately, "Breast Implants on Trial" raises important questions about the regulation of medical devices and the risks and benefits of elective cosmetic surgeries. The show also sheds light on the power dynamics at play in legal battles between corporations and individuals, and the challenges faced by those seeking justice for alleged harm caused by a product.