Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) plans to introduce a bill that would ban Bayer's troubled Essure contraceptive device following reports of pelvic pain and allergic reactions to nickel. The implant consists consists of a metal and polyester coil implanted in a woman's fallopian tubes. It renders a patient sterile and provides an alternative to surgical procedures such as tubal ligation. "Bayer is a trusted name in the industry," Fitzpatrick said in a prepared statement. "However, right now, one of their products, the Essure device, is harming women and needs to be removed from the market. I believe it is imperative to the continued success of their brand and the other work they do to immediately end production of a product that poses such a danger to patient safety." Bayer responded that it "stands by the positive benefit-risk profile of Essure and we look forward to working closely with the FDA as it considers the advice of its Obstetrics and Gynecology Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee." More