Michigan’s drug industry immunity law has been the focus of much criticism in this space and elsewhere in the media. Under Michigan law, drug manufacturers cannot be sued in Michigan for injuries caused by drugs that have been approved by the FDA. As a result, massive pharmaceutical companies cannot be held accountable in this state for producing unsafe products.
Recently, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a measure that would remove this formidable shield and allow injured victims to have their day in court. The leaders of the Republican-controlled Michigan Senate, however, have vowed to prevent a vote on the bill. Senator Alan Cropsey (who represents much of the Mid-Michigan region) is among those who want to delay or block a vote.
Senator Cropsey’s position is especially puzzling in light of his statements regarding the current law. In a 2003 edition of the Washington Monthly, he described the drug industry shield as "horrible[.]" The Senator called the law "a way of protecting companies from their own behavior" and "a ‘get-out-of-jail-free card.’" However, Senator Cropsey has chosen to follow the party line rather than strike a blow for consumer protection.
Drug industry immunity in Michigan has prevented injured citizens from seeking justice in court. Contact your State Senator and ask them to remove this cloak of protection and to hold corporations accountable for the harm they cause.
