On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, advocacy groups representing individuals who have suffered from complications linked to gynecological implants met with political officials to share their experiences and concerns. The meeting took place the day after the euthanasia of comedian Arnaud Denis, who had been severely disabled by complications from a polypropylene implant used to treat a hernia. The discussions focused on the physical, emotional, and social toll these implants have had on patients, many of whom have endured chronic pain, mobility issues, and psychological distress. Karine Prou, co-president of the Diva association, which supports women affected by vaginal polypropylene implants, expressed shock at the ongoing health crisis in France. “Who can imagine that in 2026, people are still dying as a result of complications from polypropylene implants intended to treat incontinence, prolapse, or hernias?” she asked during a roundtable discussion organized by the Social Affairs Commission of the National Assembly. Prou shared the stories of two women, “Elise” and “Karine,” who had suffered from these implants and ultimately took their own lives. She explained that complications often arise from the body’s reaction to the material or improper surgical placement, leading to infections, chronic pain, and even the inability to walk, sit, or engage in sexual activity. Anne-Laure Castelli, president of the Balance ta bandelette association, criticized the lack of attention given to this issue in France, despite legal actions taken in other countries against manufacturers. “In France, we are told ‘move along, there is nothing to see,’ when abroad, laboratories have been held accountable,” she said. The complications from these implants can be deeply disabling, with symptoms ranging from pelvic pain and neuropathy to sexual, urinary, or digestive disorders. Some women experience these issues immediately after the procedure, while others face them years later. The Paris prosecutor’s office had previously decided not to pursue a criminal investigation into Arnaud Denis’s case, citing the lack of a scientifically established causal link between the implant and his condition. However, his lawyer, Me Courtois, filed a new complaint on September 18, seeking the involvement of a civil party to initiate a judicial investigation. Lawyer Me Pierre Debuisson, representing the French Victims of Hernia Prosthesis collective, noted that over 200,000 of these procedures are performed annually in France, with estimates suggesting that between 100,000 and 300,000 individuals may have suffered long-term complications. More than 216 reports have been filed with the French drug safety agency, ANSM, and Debuisson has been contacted by over 500 victims. Castelli added that many women have traveled to the United States at their own expense to have the implants removed, highlighting the severity of the issue and the lack of adequate domestic solutions.