$14 million awarded in lawsuit linking birth control pill Yasmin to stroke

A jury has awarded $14 million to a suburban Chicago woman who said in a lawsuit that she suffered a debilitating stroke after taking the birth control drug Yasmin.

Lawyers for Mariola Zapalski say the stroke occurred 13 days after she began taking the drug, paralyzing her left side and causing permanent brain injury.

Friday's verdict came after a two-week trial in Cook County Circuit Court.

Defendant Dr. Zbigniew Aniol declined to comment Saturday.

A $2.5 million settlement in the same matter was reached a month ago with the hospital, Resurrection Medical Center.

Drug maker Bayer has also faced lawsuits from women claiming the contraceptive caused blood clots that led to serious health consequences.

The company stands by the drug and says it is safe if used as directed.