Sybil Shainwald, who passed away at 96, was a formidable advocate for women's health, focusing on cases involving poorly tested drugs and medical devices that harmed women. She gained prominence during a landmark case against Eli Lilly for the synthetic hormone DES, which caused cancer and infertility in the daughters of women who took it during pregnancy. Her innovative legal strategy led to a significant jury verdict, empowering thousands of similar lawsuits nationwide. Shainwald's legal career expanded to include cases against manufacturers of harmful products like silicone breast implants and contraceptives such as the Dalkon Shield and Norplant. Her relentless pursuit of justice and dedication to women's health issues left a lasting impact on the legal and medical communities, continuing to influence advocacy and reform efforts even after her death.

Sybil Shainwald's legal career was marked by her involvement in the landmark DES case, where she represented Joyce Bichler, a young woman affected by the drug's side effects, leading to a significant legal victory that set a precedent for holding multiple manufacturers accountable.

The approval and promotion of DES, despite known risks, exposed millions to its dangers, with Shainwald's efforts shining a light on the negligence of pharmaceutical companies and the inadequacies in drug testing and regulation.

Shainwald's advocacy extended beyond DES, as she represented women affected by other harmful medical products, including silicone breast implants and contraceptives like the Dalkon Shield and Norplant, which caused numerous health issues.

Her work was not limited to the United States; she also helped women internationally receive compensation for faulty medical devices, highlighting the global implications of inadequate medical product testing and regulation.

The trajectory of her career was shaped by her determination to address systemic inequities in healthcare, particularly the focus on developing drugs and devices for women without sufficient safety evaluations, often resulting in severe health consequences.

Shainwald's legacy is characterized by her fierce commitment to women's health rights, with her legal battles underscoring the importance of accountability and the need for rigorous testing standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

Her influence extended beyond the courtroom as she educated and raised awareness about the risks associated with certain contraceptive methods, advocating for informed consent and ethical medical practices.