Thousands of women are now taking legal action against Pfizer.
Why? Depo-Provera has been tied in numerous studies to an aggressive brain tumor known as meningioma. Lawsuits are rapidly mounting.
Here’s the problem:
Women in the United States were never warned about this risk for decades. Pfizer placed warnings in other countries… not here. Women who got brain tumors after years of using the shot are fighting back.
This article covers all you need to know about Depo-Provera birth control lawsuits, including who can sue and what evidence will be needed.
Let’s dive in!
Inside this guide:
- What Are Depo-Provera Birth Control Lawsuits?
- Why The Lawsuits Are Stacking Up
- Who Qualifies To File A Claim?
- Evidence You’ll Need For Your Case
- What Compensation Could Look Like
What Are Depo-Provera Birth Control Lawsuits?
Depo-Provera contains the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and is injected every 3 months. Millions of women have received Depo-Provera injections since 1992.
But here’s the catch…
Recent studies have linked long-term use of the drug to a greatly increased risk of developing meningioma, a tumor that attaches itself to the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The Depo-Provera birth control lawsuits claim Pfizer knew about the risk and failed to warn women in the U.S.
Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including brain surgery)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Future medical care
If you or a woman you know took the shot and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may be eligible to file a Depo Provera lawsuit settlement. The Depo-Provera Birth Control lawsuits have been consolidated into a federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3140) in front of Judge M. Casey Rodgers in the Northern District of Florida.
Why The Lawsuits Are Stacking Up
The size of the litigation has grown tremendously over the last year. As of May 2026, there are 3,769 pending cases in the Depo-Provera MDL 3140. This number increases monthly as women continue to discover the connection.
So what kicked all of this off?
Two major studies pointed straight at the drug:
- The March 2024 BMJ study
- The September 2024 Cancers study
A study published in The BMJ in 2024 found that women who use Depo-Provera for over a year are 5.6 times more likely to develop meningiomas when compared to non-users.
Another study published in Cancers in September 2024 looked at over 117,000 cases of meningioma and determined injection exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate resulted in a 53% higher risk of meningiomas.
The FDA acted. In December 2025, the FDA approved a revision to the U.S. Prescribing Information for Depo-Provera to include a warning about possible higher risk of meningioma.
But for many women… the warning came too late.
Who Qualifies To File A Claim?
If you used Depo-Provera, that does not necessarily mean you will qualify. There are requirements that you meet prior to filing a claim.
Here’s what attorneys typically look for:
- Use of Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or an authorized generic
- Use of the shot for at least one year (multiple injections)
- A later diagnosis of meningioma
- Diagnosis came after starting the shot, not before
Women who received only one injection or had their brain tumor diagnosed before ever using the drug are probably ineligible.
There are also a few other factors that come into play:
- How long ago the diagnosis happened
- The statute of limitations in your state
- Whether surgery was needed to remove the tumor
- The severity of the symptoms
Many women are also filing claims for loved ones who died of complications. That is why it’s smart to speak with a qualified attorney.
Evidence You’ll Need For Your Case
Documentary evidence is key to any successful Depo-Provera birth control lawsuit. If you don’t have it, your claim won’t go very far.
So what’s needed?
Medical Records
Medical records are the most important piece of evidence. They show:
- Depo-Provera use history
- Dates of each injection
- The meningioma diagnosis
- Any surgeries or treatments
Include as many details as possible. Pharmacy logs and physician notes may also be useful in creating a timeline.
Diagnostic Imaging
MRI and CT scans diagnose meningioma. These scans establish existence of the meningioma as well as size and location. This will correlate with onset of use of the drug.
Treatment History
Records of any treatments you’ve had — such as surgery, radiation or current medications — demonstrate how the tumor has affected your life. This can be used to help prove damages, such as medical costs and pain and suffering.
Employment & Financial Records
Lost wages due to time missed from work after diagnosis require documentation. Pay stubs, tax returns and employer statements can help establish this claim.
What Compensation Could Look Like
This is the part everyone wants to know about…
No MDL level settlements have been reached in the Depo-Provera MDL. The first bellwether case is set to go to trial in December of 2026.
But here’s what’s known so far:
Settlement amounts in other meningioma lawsuits have averaged over $800,000. Jury verdicts have exceeded $3 million. Please remember that these are only estimates — actual damages will vary based on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of the tumor
- Whether brain surgery was needed
- Medical costs
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Long-term disability or impairment
The more severe cases generally result in larger payouts. Women who required brain surgery or permanent damage may obtain substantially larger settlements.
Pfizer has also filed a motion to preempt — claiming they were blocked by the FDA from adding a meningioma warning. The judge hasn’t ruled on that motion and it could alter the course of the litigation dramatically.
Final Thoughts
The Depo-Provera birth control litigation is quickly gaining steam. Now that there are over 3,700 lawsuits pending, and the first bellwether trial is scheduled for late 2026, it’s becoming one of the most highly monitored mass torts in the nation.
If she took Depo for greater than 1 year and was diagnosed with a meningioma she may have a case. Briefly stated:
- Proof of long-term Depo-Provera use is needed
- A meningioma diagnosis is needed
- Medical records and imaging are needed
- Action must happen within the state’s statute of limitations
Time is running out on these claims. Each state has its own statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your opportunity to file a claim. Speak with a qualified attorney to find out where you stand and how much your case is worth.