Fw: European Parliament to adopt position on breast implants

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----- Original Message ----- From: ilena rose

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Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 7:04 AM

Subject: European Parliament to adopt position on breast implants

http://www.euractiv.com/cgi-bin/cgint.exe/?targ=1 & 204 & OIDN=1504519 & -home=home

Parliament to adopt position on breast implants In short: On 22 January, the Parliament's Public Health Committee is to adopt a report on the Commission Communication aiming to improve the quality and safety of breast implants.

Background: On 22 January the Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection is expected to adopt a report by rapporteur Stihler (PSE, UK) on the Commission Communication on Community and national measures in relation to breast implants.

The Commission Communication, released in November 2001, was induced by petitions submitted to the European Parliament by a group of women in 1998 who claimed to be suffering adverse effects from silicone breast implants. The Parliament then ordered a report on "Health risks posed by silicone implants in general with special attention to breast implants". The report confirmed the absence of scientific evidence on a link between disease and silicone gel breast implants but it noted that problems do occur, mainly because of the design and characteristics of the product.

Issues: The Commission Communication proposes measures to increase and improve information to patients on the potential benefits and risks of breast implants. As regards research and development, the Commission calls on the manufacturers to collect clinical data on the characteristics and performance of the products before placing them on the market and to conduct a systematic review afterwards. In line with good medical practice, the Communication encourages regular medical follow-up over a long period of time to monitor long-term secondary effects.

Positions: While Rapporteur Stihler broadly welcomes the Commission's proposals, she regrets that the document has only advisory status for Member States. In addition, she suggests a number of amendments aiming to tighten the manufacture, usage and monitoring of silicone-gel breast implants, as well as to further the debate on providing prospective patients and the general public with improved information.

Next steps: The report will be adopted in plenary on 11 February.