Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has announced that a federal judge has granted the State of Kansas’s motion to remand its false advertising lawsuit against Pfizer, Inc. back to state court. Kobach is declaring this a victory, bringing justice to the Kansans who were misled by the false statements made by Pfizer regarding the health risks of its COVID vaccine.
What Happened
In June of 2024, Attorney General Kobach filed suit against Pfizer, Inc. in Thomas County, Kansas, for violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act related to its claims of vaccine efficacy, safety, and particularly claims that its vaccine was safe for pregnant women and posed no risk for myocarditis or pericarditis. Despite this being a question of state law filed in state court, Pfizer attempted to postpone the Attorney General’s enforcement action by taking the case out of state court and moving it to federal court. However, Judge Crabtree of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas brought an end to Pfizer’s delaying tactic and ordered that the matter be returned to state court where it where enforcement of Kansas consumer protection law can once again move forward.
Complaint
The Attorney General’s complaint alleged internal studies at Pfizer showed the potential for adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, although the company publicly marketed the vaccine as “safe and effective.” In July last year, Pfizer removed the case from Thomas County and moved it to the Federal District Court on jurisdictional grounds.
The federal district court’s ruling on May 14 unquestionably favors Kansas’ arguments against Pfizer’s removal.
