Johnson & Johnson — Ethics Grade C-

Johnson & Johnson receives an overall ethics grade of C- (45/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Healthcare. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 60
• privacy: 80
• consumer: 25
• environment: 55
• humanRights: 50

Documented incidents (3)

• Talcum Powder Cancer Claims (high, 2023) — Over 40,000 lawsuits claimed J&J's baby powder was contaminated with asbestos and caused mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. The company attempted to use a 'Texas two-step' bankruptcy maneuver to limit liability.
• Opioid Crisis Settlement (high, 2021) — J&J was part of a landmark $26 billion settlement for its role in the US opioid epidemic, accused of downplaying the addiction risks and aggressively marketing the painkillers.
• Pelvic Mesh Lawsuits (high, 2018) — The company faced thousands of lawsuits and fines for misleading marketing regarding the safety and risks of pelvic mesh devices which caused chronic pain and organ damage in thousands of women.

Documented good deeds

• Health Equity Commitment — J&J committed $100 million over five years to address health inequities for people of color in the United States.

Ethical alternatives

• Merck & Co. — Consistently ranked higher for access to medicine and transparency in clinical trials.