An out-of control legal system hurts patients. Doctors order expensive and often unnecessary tests to protect themselves against the possibility of a lawsuit. The cost of both lawsuits and defensive medicine are passed on to everyone through the increased costs of our health care delivery system. GAO also reported that medical device and pharmaceutical industry officials believe that the threat of liability results in more than higher costs. Manufacturers will curtail research, refuse to market or withdraw from the market high-risk products, and minimize use of their products.
More Women feel the effects of the liability crisis more than anyone.
Women who need health care are the least like to receive it, and the threat of liability reduces the number of new drugs for women.