Upon reading through my gynecological records, specifically referencing the records from when I had a Paragard*IUD inserted (and ultimately removed a year later due to complications), I was looking for clarification from diagnosis; answers to a chronic pain ultimately deemed inexplicable by medical professionals. What I found was potential- very literally, the word “potentially.” Referencing the IUD itself, which is wrapped in copper wire, as well as transvaginal ultrasound images, I began to sew the wire into redart clay, mimicking patterns from these sources. With continued systemic efforts to make caring for and understanding our bodies impossible, this work serves as an exploration of my experience, forging a form/being whose existence reconstructs the memory, resilience, and capacity to evolve that the body holds.

[DATE]

2020-2023

[LOCATION]

n/a

[MATERIALS]

redart

striated copper wire

bentonite

cone 04 (1985 °F) firing

[NOTES]

Lawsuit Cases | Rickard v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. et al., case number 1:21-cv-03861 & In re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation, case number 1:20-md-02974, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (source)

03.2023 Lawsuit Update | The first federal bellwether trial in the Paragard litigation recently concluded in the Northern District of Georgia. The jury ruled in favor of the defense and found that the product was not defectively designed (source)

Lawsuit Allegations | “…The litigation involves allegations of design defects, failure to warn, and negligence, highlighting claims that the manufacturer did not adequately address known risks…[1] the failure of the manufacturer to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with device breakage during removal…leading to unexpected injuries and the need for surgical intervention…[2] negligence in designing a product prone to breakage and other complications. Design defects in the Paragard IUD likely contributed to the high incidence of device breakage during removal and other complications. Users argue that the manufacturer should have taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety and reliability of the product…[3] the manufacturer did not take timely action to recall or address known defects of the Paragard IUD. The manufacturer allegedly knew about the risks and issues associated with the product but failed to take appropriate steps to protect the safety of its users. This alleged negligence has resulted in unnecessary harm and suffering for many individuals.

Paragard Complications | “…[1]Device breakage during removal is one of the most common issues reported by Paragard IUD users. When the device breaks during removal, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove all the fragments…[2] the device’s migration within the body. The device can move from its original position, potentially causing internal injuries and damage to nearby organs. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the device or repair any damage caused[…3]Uterine perforation is a rare but serious complication that can occur during the insertion process. It refers to the device puncturing the uterine wall, potentially causing internal bleeding and damage to surrounding organs. Individuals who experience uterine perforation may require immediate medical attention and surgical intervention.” (source)

Teva - BDS List | “Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva is facing mounting pressure from Palestine solidarity groups across Europe. One of Israel’s largest drugs manufacturers and a major global producer of generic medicines, Teva has actively supported the genocide in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 and contributed to the erosion of Palestinian healthcare long before that…” (source)