Missouri Mother Seeks $6 Billion in Lawsuit Over Premature Baby Formula Risks

Missouri Mother Pursues $6 Billion in Premature Formula Lawsuit

Background:

A Missouri mother, Elizabeth Whitfield, has filed a high-profile lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, demanding over $6 billion in damages. Whitfield claims that the companies' specialized formulas for premature infants caused her son, Kaine, to develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in 2017, a severe and potentially fatal intestinal illness. Represented by lawyer Tim Cronin, she argues that these formulas lack sufficient warnings about NEC risks.

Companies’ Response to the Allegations

Abbott’s CEO, Robert Ford, has noted that the ongoing litigation might force the company to withdraw its premature infant formula from the market. Reckitt, which owns Mead Johnson, hinted in July at potentially divesting the brand, with CEO Kris Licht mentioning the company is "considering options."

Defendant Statements:

Abbott’s attorney, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, told jurors that formula use did not cause Kaine's illness, as it was only used to supplement his mother's milk. She emphasized Kaine’s other risk factors, including anemia and antibiotic treatments, which she argued made NEC more likely regardless of his diet.

Potential Landmark Verdict

If successful, Whitfield's case could result in one of the largest verdicts in U.S. history. However, due to existing legal precedents, any punitive damages awarded may be subject to reduction on appeal. This lawsuit is one of nearly 1,000 ongoing cases alleging that hospital-administered formulas from Abbott and Mead Johnson pose serious health risks for premature infants.

Note: Despite recent legal challenges, scientific agencies such as the NIH have stated that current evidence does not conclusively link the formula to NEC.