Dalkon Shield

The Dalkon Shield was an intrauterine device (IUD) used for birth control in the 1970s. It was designed to prevent pregnancy by blocking fertilization. However, it had a faulty design that allowed bacteria to travel from the vagina into the uterus, leading to serious infections, infertility, and other health issues in many women. The controversy surrounding it highlighted the importance of rigorous testing and safety in medical devices. The Dalkon Shield became a symbol of medical product failure and contributed to increased regulation in contraceptive development.