Article View: mod.comp-soc
Article #39More on A.H. Robbins and the Dalkon Shield
From: taylor
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1986 23:06
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1986 23:06
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1756 bytes
le actions have led to many lawsuits against A.H.Robbins
Co. for selling a dangerous product -- in full knowledge of its danger.
Robbins is not in bankruptcy because someone made a design mistake;
they are in because someone tried to cover up the danger in order to
enhance profits. Much of the damage could have been averted by
removing the product from the market and recalling the defective
device.
Tanner Andrews, Systems
CompuData South, DeLand
[Wow! Not such a good example after all, I guess. Indeed, if the company
was guilty of criminal negligence, as appears to be the case, then they
should certainly be held responsible.
The problem arises when we expect 'institutions' to be perfect, I think.
They all-too-easily fall into the trap of agreeing, and then, instead of
occasionally admitting fault, hide it and act innocent. The example that
comes to mind is medical malpractice - we expect our medical people to be
absolutely perfect, and when they make mistakes (e.g. the wrong drug
prescribed) society shuns them. Other medical people see this reaction
and are even more pressured into hiding their mistakes...
A tough circle to break out of. -- Dave]
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Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: arc1-ca.pugleaf.net!utzoo!decvax!decwrl!pyramid!hplabs!hplabsc!taylor From: taylor@hplabsc.UUCP Newsgroups: mod.comp-soc Subject: More on A.H. Robbins and the Dalkon Shield Message-ID: <354@hplabsc.UUCP> Date: Fri, 27-Jun-86 19:06:22 EDT Article-I.D.: hplabsc.354 Posted: Fri Jun 27 19:06:22 1986 Date-Received: Sat, 28-Jun-86 08:26:25 EDT Reply-To: ihnp4!opus!ki4pv!tanner Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories Lines: 24 Approved: taylor@hplabs