The Dalkon Shield IUD was introduced in the 1970s with the promise of revolutionising contraception, but its story serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when innovation outpaces responsibility. Designed by Dr. Hugh Davis and marketed by A.H. Robbins, the device’s peculiar shape, resembling a beetle might have seemed like a stroke of medical ingenuity, but the reality was far from reassuring.

This tragic chapter in medical history teaches us some hard lessons. First, the absolute necessity of rigorous clinical testing before any product hits the market. The consequences of cutting corners in the development and testing phases can have lifelong repercussions for patients. Second, the critical role of corporate responsibility in safeguarding public health - profit cannot come before safety. And finally, the importance of informed consent. Patients must be given a complete and honest picture of potential risks to make truly informed decisions about their health.

The Dalkon Shield story isn’t just about a faulty product; it’s a cautionary tale about trust, ethics, and the impact of decisions made in boardrooms on real lives. It reminds us to question, to demand accountability, and to advocate for transparency in every aspect of healthcare and beyond.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.