A potential class action is being investigated after nearly 500 women contacted a South African law firm over a recalled batch of Yaz Plus birth control pills that allegedly caused unintended pregnancies. The affected contraceptive batch was recalled in November 2024 following a packaging error, and legal investigations are continuing during 2026.
The investigation affects women who used batch WEW96J of Yaz Plus oral contraceptives distributed in South Africa between November 2023 and November 2024. According to LHL Attorneys, the enquiries relate to women who believe they became pregnant after using the affected medication. The firm stressed that these are enquiries only and not confirmed legal claims.
The investigation follows an official product recall issued by Bayer South Africa in consultation with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority after a packaging defect was identified.
ALSO READ: South Africa’s Childhood Vaccination Rates Fall as Measles and Rubella Outbreaks Spread
Packaging Error Left Some Women Without Full Contraceptive Protection
According to LHL Attorneys, the recalled Yaz Plus packs contained the incorrect sequence of tablets.
Instead of containing 24 active hormone tablets followed by four placebo tablets, the affected packs reportedly contained 24 placebo tablets and only four active hormone tablets.
The firm said this significantly reduced the contraceptive effectiveness of the product.
According to senior associate Demi Buckley, the official recall strengthens the firm’s investigation because there is no dispute that some blister packs were incorrectly packaged.
However, Buckley emphasised that the recall alone does not automatically establish legal liability or entitle every woman who used the product to compensation.
Each claim will still need to be assessed individually.
Nearly 500 Women Have Contacted Lawyers
Buckley said the firm became aware of the recall in 2024 but only began considering legal action after women started contacting the firm.
The number of enquiries increased after reports about the possible lawsuit received media attention.
According to the law firm:
- Nearly 500 women have contacted the firm.
- These are enquiries and not confirmed claimants.
- No class action has yet been certified by the courts.
- Investigations are still underway.
The firm said enquiries have come from several provinces, although no clear geographical or demographic trend has emerged.
Recall Was Issued In 2024
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and Bayer South Africa recalled batch WEW96J on 18 November 2024.
According to the recall notice, the affected batch was distributed on 9 November and 24 November 2023 and remained in circulation for approximately one year before being withdrawn.
Buckley said this provides investigators with a clear timeframe during which women may have received the affected contraceptive packs.
The recall was issued because of a manufacturing packaging error rather than problems caused by users missing doses.
Court Approval Still Required
Although many women have contacted the law firm, no class action currently exists.
Before proceedings can continue as a class action, a South African court must first certify the matter.
According to Buckley, LHL Attorneys intends filing the certification application during 2027 after completing its investigation and collecting supporting evidence.
If certification is refused, women could still pursue individual legal claims depending on their circumstances.
Evidence Being Collected
The firm is currently helping women collect documents that may assist in determining whether they have a possible claim.
These include:
- Pharmacy dispensing records.
- Prescription records.
- Medical records.
- Birth certificates where applicable.
- Medical documentation relating to miscarriages, stillbirths or pregnancy terminations.
According to Buckley, each case will be evaluated individually to determine whether the pregnancy can reasonably be linked to the defective contraceptive batch.
Compensation Would Depend On Individual Circumstances
LHL Attorneys said it has not determined what compensation may ultimately be sought because each woman’s circumstances differ.
Possible damages could include:
- Pregnancy and delivery medical expenses.
- Lost income.
- Emotional trauma associated with miscarriages or pregnancy termination.
- Child related expenses where applicable.
The firm said consumer protection legislation is expected to play an important role if litigation proceeds.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Women in Gauteng who used Yaz Plus contraceptive pills during the affected period may wish to confirm whether they received batch WEW96J.
The investigation does not mean every woman who used Yaz Plus has a legal claim, nor does it mean compensation has been approved.
According to LHL Attorneys, affected women should gather pharmacy and medical records if they believe they may have received the recalled batch.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority’s recall applied nationally, meaning the affected medication may have been supplied through pharmacies across Gauteng and the rest of South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which birth control pills were recalled?
The recall involved batch WEW96J of Yaz Plus oral contraceptive pills following a packaging error.
Has a class action already been approved?
No. The matter is currently under investigation and a South African court must first certify any proposed class action.
How many women have contacted the law firm?
LHL Attorneys says nearly 500 women have made enquiries, but these are not confirmed legal claims.
What caused the recall?
According to Bayer South Africa and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, some packs contained an incorrect sequence of active and placebo tablets due to a packaging error.
What should women do if they think they were affected?
According to the law firm, women should retain pharmacy records, prescription information and relevant medical documents while investigations continue.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into the recalled Yaz Plus contraceptive pills is expected to continue as LHL Attorneys gathers evidence and prepares a possible class action certification application during 2027. While hundreds of women have already approached the firm, the courts have not yet authorised class proceedings and each potential claim will still need to be assessed on its individual facts. Authorities and legal representatives continue to emphasise that the recall confirms a packaging defect, but liability and compensation, if any, will ultimately depend on the outcome of future legal proceedings.
