Is the Depo Provera Lawsuit Real?

Many people are hearing about the Depo-Provera litigation for the first time. Sometimes, the first time someone hears about the litigation is through attorney advertising or spam emails. This has led many people to wonder if the claims are real and if they may have a case. Here’s why the lawsuits are real, why cases are growing and what to know about ongoing claims.

Yes, the Depo-Provera lawsuits are real. The lawsuits center around the connection between the birth control shot and a brain tumor called meningioma. The lawsuits are moving forward in a legal action called multidistrict litigation.

After being formed in February 2025, the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3140) has grown to more than 5,500 cases as of June 2026. The litigation has become one of the quickest-growing group injury claims in the country today.

This growth has led to increased media coverage and greater public awareness. Now, many people are hearing about the litigation for the first time and looking for reliable information about what is happening.

Thousands of people across the country have filed claims alleging they developed brain tumors called meningiomas after using Depo-Provera. Depo-Provera is a birth control shot manufactured by Pfizer.

The lawsuits allege Pfizer did not adequately warn patients about the potential association between prolonged Depo-Provera use and meningioma risk.

The plaintiffs argue that they may have made different healthcare decisions had they been aware of these risks. They are now seeking compensation for their injuries.

Yes. However, it is not a class action lawsuit. It is a multidistrict litigation (MDL). In MDLs, people file individual lawsuits and retain their rights to individual trials and decisions.

Like other major product liability litigation, the Depo-Provera lawsuits involve court filings, scheduling orders, discovery and ongoing case management.

To handle the large number of claims, these cases have been consolidated into MDL No. 3140 for coordinated proceedings. The MDL is active in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. It is overseen by Federal District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

What’s the difference between an MDL and a class action?

Like a class action, an MDL is a legal process used to manage large numbers of similar lawsuits in one federal court. However, there are differences.

A class action treats all affected individuals as a single unit. This means everyone eligible is automatically included in the class. If the case is successful, class members split one payout equally, regardless of individual impact.

An MDL keeps every individual claim separate, and someone must actively choose to join an MDL. If they are successful, the final payout is determined based on the severity of the individual’s injuries.

If you’re looking for more detailed information about the Depo-Provera lawsuits, Motley Rice has several resources that can help you better understand the litigation.

Our Depo-Provera lawsuit page includes more information about the claims being filed, updates on federal proceedings and answers concerning eligibility.

For more information about the brain tumors at the center of many claims, see our resource on meningiomas.

Finally, you can visit our Depo-Provera side effects page for information about reported risks and safety concerns associated with the birth control shot.

At Motley Rice, we represent individuals and families pursuing justice for harms allegedly caused by various medical devices and contraceptive products, including drugs like Depo-Provera. Our attorneys have experience handling complex cases involving hormonal medications, long-term safety concerns and emerging scientific evidence.

To learn more about our experience and ongoing efforts to hold manufacturers like Pfizer accountable, read more about our involvement in birth control injury lawsuits.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. Depo-Provera remains approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.