Johnson & Johnson Proposes $5.5 Billion Ovarian Cancer Settlement

Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $5.5 billion settlement to resolve between 69,000 and 76,000 lawsuits alleging its baby powder and talc products caused ovarian cancer. The agreement aims to end more than 15 years of litigation and covers nearly all remaining claims across U.S. state and federal courts. For the deal to become final, it must be accepted by 95 percent of the claimants.

Under the terms of the proposal, the company expects to make an initial payment of up to $3 billion in 2027, with subsequent payments beginning in 2028. This resolution follows several unsuccessful attempts by the company to resolve claims through bankruptcy filings via a shell company. The settlement applies only to existing claims and does not cover future lawsuits.

Johnson & Johnson maintains that the claims are meritless and that its talc products are safe and asbestos-free. However, the company stated the settlement provides closure and avoids the financial uncertainty of continued trials. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020 and globally in 2023, replacing it with a cornstarch-based alternative.

While the U.S. cases move toward resolution, a separate class action lawsuit against the company is progressing in Australia, with a Case Management Conference scheduled for August 26, 2026.