FRANKFORT, Ky. - Attorney General Andy Beshear has secured a $17 million settlement with the Bayer Corporation over claims that the company misled Kentucky women about risks associated with its birth control drugs, Yasmin and Yaz.

The suit alleges that Bayer failed to provide accurate marketing information to women about scientific evidence that indicated the two drugs create a higher risk for blood clots compared to similar contraceptives.

“As attorney general, I have stood up to major pharmaceutical companies that have put profits ahead of our Kentucky families and I am proud of our office’s work to finally resolve this case,” Beshear said. “With these millions of dollars, we can truly help improve the health and safety of our Kentucky families by directing these funds to address pressing public health needs including making sure the state never again has the nation’s largest hepatitis A outbreak.”

After litigation fees, a portion of the settlement will be available for the General Assembly to appropriate during the next budget session. 

Beshear said he would like to see the funds used to help Kentuckians access affordable health care and to address other public health needs.