Lawmakers propose group to study safety of breast implants

MANILA, Philippines — There’s a need for the authorities to take a closer look at the safety of breast implants, according to two lawmakers.

Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez and Abante Mindanao party list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez have proposed in a bill the creation of a Committee on Breast Implant Research, to be chaired by the secretary of health, that would focus on determining the implants’ effects on health, especially any risks these pose.

The committee would help the health secretary in conducting the research, which should include a multi-disciplinary, clinical case-controlled study of women with breast implants, especially those who have had them for more than eight years.

The studies should also focus on disease prevention, neurological dysfunction, and immune system irregularities, and should determine if the health of women with implants differs from that of women without implants.

“Breast implants have been widely suspected to increase the risk of a range of problems, including cancer, connective tissue disease, implant rupture, and hematoma,” the lawmakers said in their explanatory note to the bill.

But they added that despite reports and warnings about the possible risks they could face, some women still choose to have breast implants.

“Women need complete an accurate information about the potential health risks and advantages of breast implants, in order to know what to expect if they choose implant surgery,” they said.

The proposed Committee on Breast Implant Research would consist of two representatives from the Department of Health, one representative from any agency deemed important to the Committee, four physicians with established credentials when it comes to breast implants, and two women who have or have had breast implants, to be appointed by the President.

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