Simpson to Propose a Repeal of Immunity Law for Drug Manufacturers
State Representative-elect Mike Simpson (D, Liberty Township) announced his intention last week to introduce a bill that would repeal Michigan's near-total immunity for drug manufacturers against any lawsuits. The bill will be introduced sometime next year, after Mr. Simpson takes office.
Michigan is the only state in the union that grants such immunity to drug manufacturers or to any industry. The immunity for drug companies became highly controversial after it was shown that Merck & Company had engaged in deceptive marketing practices for its drug, Vioxx, and the discovery that long-term use of it could lead to heart-attacks and strokes.
Defenders of the immunity argue that allowing people to sue drug manufacturers who make dangerous drugs is bad for Michigan's economy. To refute that, I would simply point out where Michigan's economy was before the ban in 1996 and where it is today in 2006.
I'm not arguing that this immunity for the manufacturers of dangerous drugs is the cause of Michigan's sagging economy, but it clearly hasn't helped us.
In spite of that, my prediction is that a) Mr. Simpson's bill will make it passed the Michigan House of Representatives but b) meet its eventual demise in the Senate, which remains under the control of Republicans who love ranting about trial lawyers are ruining the world.
