Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit December 2025, Over 1,470 Women Sue Pfizer as Critical Preemption Ruling Awaited
As of December 2025, at least 1,470 Depo shot lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida. Women who used Depo-Provera and developed meningioma brain tumors are suing Pfizer, alleging the company concealed known risks for decades. The court held a Case Management Conference on December 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT, while Judge M. Casey Rodgers has yet to rule on Pfizer’s critical preemption motion that could determine the fate of thousands of claims.
What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit About?
The Depo-Provera lawsuit centers on allegations that Pfizer failed to warn patients about a significantly increased risk of developing meningioma brain tumors from prolonged use of the injectable contraceptive. Scientific studies have linked Depo-Provera to a 5.5 times higher risk of brain tumors.
A recent National Health Statistics Report from December 2023 indicates that nearly 24.5% of all sexually experienced women in the United States used Depo-Provera at some point between 2015 and 2019, putting millions of American women at potential risk.
Key Lawsuit Allegations:
- Pfizer knew or should have known about brain tumor risks but failed to warn U.S. patients
- The company updated warning labels in other countries but not in the United States
- Pfizer allegedly downplayed and concealed scientific evidence linking Depo-Provera to meningiomas
- The FDA rejected Pfizer’s proposed label change in 2024 because it was too vague
December 2025 Lawsuit Updates and Developments
The Depo-Provera MDL is progressing rapidly with several critical developments in December 2025.
During November of 2025, the judge overseeing the group Depo-Provera lawsuit heard pre-emption arguments from Pfizer. The September 29, 2025 preemption hearing was pivotal—Judge Rodgers heard argument on Pfizer’s bid for summary judgment. The company pressed its case that federal preemption bars failure-to-warn claims, while plaintiffs’ counsel argued that Pfizer withheld critical evidence from the FDA, undermining any shield.
December 2025 Case Status:
- Over 1,470 claims have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is similar to a Depo-Provera class action lawsuit
- Monthly Case Management Conferences scheduled throughout 2026 will be held in the U.S. District Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida
- Judge Rodgers has not yet issued a ruling on Pfizer’s preemption motion
- There are currently 1,661 women who have filed lawsuits against Pfizer across federal and state courts
State Court Filings:
As of October 20, 2025, there are 1,222 cases in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). There are also hundreds of lawsuits filed at the state level, including 332 plaintiffs in Delaware, 78 in New York, 20 in California, 6 in Illinois, 1 in Pennsylvania, 1 in Connecticut, and 1 in New Mexico.
What Did Pfizer Allegedly Conceal About Brain Tumor Risks?
Plaintiffs allege Pfizer systematically concealed and downplayed decades of evidence showing Depo-Provera’s link to meningioma brain tumors.
Scientific Evidence:
A Cleveland Clinic study in JAMA Neurology involving 10 million women confirmed that long-term Depo-Provera users face a 2.43x higher risk of intracranial meningioma, especially when use begins after age 31.
Earlier research found even more alarming risk factors. A 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal found women injected with medroxyprogesterone acetate over a prolonged period had a 5.6-times higher risk of developing intracranial meningiomas.
What Pfizer Allegedly Knew:
- International regulators including agencies in Europe, South Africa, and Canada have issued warnings about Depo-Provera’s brain tumor risks
- Pfizer updated labels in foreign countries but failed to do so in the United States
- The company allegedly submitted a vague, overly broad label change to the FDA in 2024 that regulators rejected
- Plaintiffs claim Pfizer could have used the Changes Being Effected (CBE) process to independently strengthen warnings
Although the FDA has declined to reevaluate these concerns at this time, other countries have issued warnings about the risks associated with Depo, including European agencies, South Africa, and Canada.
The Critical Preemption Battle: What’s at Stake?
The most consequential issue facing the Depo-Provera litigation is Pfizer’s federal preemption defense, which could dismiss thousands of cases before they reach discovery or trial.
Pfizer’s Preemption Argument:
Pfizer is seeking dismissal based on federal preemption, claiming it cannot be held liable under state failure-to-warn laws because the FDA previously rejected a warning about brain tumor risks.
Pfizer contends that because the FDA did not approve its proposed 2024 label change, the company cannot be sued under state law for failing to warn about meningioma risks.
Plaintiffs’ Counter-Arguments:
Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer drafted a label update that was so broad and applied to so many products that the agency would have had no choice but to reject it.
Plaintiffs filed a strong opposition brief, arguing that Pfizer downplayed studies linking Depo-Provera to meningioma brain tumors, misled the FDA, and could have pursued safer alternatives like the SubQ version.
Hearing Outcome:
Judge Rodgers gave little indication of how she will ultimately rule. She asked pointed questions of both sides but offered no clear signals from the bench. Still, the hearing went well and plaintiffs’ lawyers left the courtroom encouraged, believing that Pfizer’s preemption argument is unlikely to end the federal litigation.
As of December 2025, Judge Rodgers has not issued her ruling on the preemption motion.
Who Is Eligible to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Women who used Depo-Provera and subsequently developed meningioma brain tumors may qualify to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You received at least two Depo-Provera (DMPA) injections
- You were diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor, intracranial tumor, or spinal tumor
- Your diagnosis occurred after using Depo-Provera
- You used Depo-Provera for birth control or medical treatment (not for cancer)
Qualifying Conditions:
- Intracranial meningioma (brain tumor)
- Spinal meningioma
- Brain tumors requiring surgery
- Tumors causing neurological damage, vision loss, hearing loss, seizures, or cognitive impairment
Women are seeking to hold Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies accountable for not creating a safer product or warning women about the risks.
Proof of Use Requirements and Documentation Deadlines
The Court has established strict documentation requirements for all plaintiffs in the MDL.
Required Documentation:
Plaintiffs are now required to complete a “Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire” within 120 days of March 14, 2025 (or within 120 days of filing for newly added cases).
All plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera MDL must complete a Use/Injury Questionnaire and submit supporting documentation through the BrownGreer MDL Centrality system. The order restates that plaintiffs must provide clear evidence that they were administered a qualifying Depo-Provera product and received a diagnosis of a qualifying meningioma.
What You Must Prove:
- Confirmed diagnosis of a qualifying meningioma
- Clear connection between the injury and Depo-Provera use
- Full jurisdictional information for all involved parties
Judge Rodgers issued Pretrial Order No. 22 on May 6, 2025, outlining how deficiencies in plaintiffs’ Proof of Use and Injury submissions will be identified and addressed.
Deadline Information:
For any case that was already part of the MDL as of the order’s date, the deadline to submit the questionnaire is July 14, 2025. For cases filed or transferred after March 14, the deadline is 120 days from when the case entered the MDL.
Many of the women in this litigation received Depo-Provera injections years ago, and in many cases, individual medical records have been lost, destroyed, or never identified the specific manufacturer of the DMPA injection. The court has approved a process to retrieve documentation from third parties, such as pharmacies and healthcare providers, to verify medication use.
What Legal Claims Are at Issue in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
The lawsuit brings multiple legal claims against Pfizer and other defendants for failing to warn about brain tumor risks.
Primary Legal Claims:
- Failure to Warn: Pfizer failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the risk of meningioma brain tumors
- Design Defect: Depo-Provera’s hormone dose increases tumor risk
- Negligence: Failing to conduct proper long-term safety testing
- Fraudulent Concealment: Hiding or downplaying evidence of brain tumor risks
- Breach of Warranty: Product was not as safe as represented
Lawsuits filed against Depo-Provera manufacturers allege they knew their drug could cause brain tumors, yet they failed to warn doctors and patients about this risks. Additionally, Pfizer and other defendants are accused of overlooking or downplaying adverse event reports.
Lawsuits say the companies failed to make timely updates to the Depo-Provera’s label and properly warn people about the risks of these conditions. Instead, the lawsuits say manufacturers ignored growing evidence, prioritizing profits and market share over patient safety.
December 2025 Court Proceedings and MDL Status
MDL Case Information:
- Case Name: IN RE: Depo-Provera (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation
- MDL Number: MDL No. 3140
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- Presiding Judge: Honorable M. Casey Rodgers
- MDL Formation Date: February 7, 2025
Judge M. Casey Rodgers is an able jurist with extensive and exceptional experience presiding over large products liability MDLs.
Recent Case Management Conferences:
- August 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT
- September 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT (concurrent with motion arguments)
- October 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT (held in New York County Courthouse)
- November 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT
- December 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT
The judge overseeing the Depo-Provera MDL has issued a pretrial order setting monthly Case Management Conferences throughout 2026. All conferences will be held in the U.S. District Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. During these status hearings, the judge and attorneys review timelines, resolve disputes, and plan the next phases of the litigation.
Expert Discovery Schedule:
The parties are aligning their general causation schedules across jurisdictions. If adopted by all courts, the unified deadlines will be:
- Plaintiffs’ general causation expert disclosures: December 1, 2025
- General causation expert depositions: Late 2025 and early 2026
During these hearings, lawyers on both sides will present and discredit scientific evidence and testimony linking Depo-Provera use to brain tumors.
Recent Plaintiff Cases Filed in December 2025
New plaintiffs continue to join the litigation with similar patterns of long-term Depo-Provera use followed by meningioma diagnoses.
Recently, 3 new plaintiffs joined the Depo-Provera MDL:
Sharon Infanti (Florida): After a decade of Depo-Provera injections, a Florida woman stopped using the birth control shot in 2005.
Robin Phillip (Louisiana): A 45-year-old woman who used the birth control shot for nearly 30 years developed a meningioma. Phillip had surgery, lost her left eye, and had to relearn to walk because of her brain tumor. Although emergency surgery was successful, she lost vision in her left eye and faced a long recovery.
Additional Recent Cases:
A woman from North Carolina filed a new lawsuit in the MDL. She began receiving Depo-Provera injections for birth control around age 20 and continued for over two decades. During that time, she experienced worsening symptoms, headaches, tremors, balance issues, and memory loss, which were eventually attributed to a brain tumor called a meningioma.
A Nebraska woman filed a product liability lawsuit against Pfizer Inc., alleging that her long-term use of the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera caused her to develop multiple meningiomas, requiring invasive brain surgeries. The plaintiff, Amy Samsel, used Depo-Provera for more than 21 years before being diagnosed with two brain tumors in 2023.
How Much Compensation Is Available in Depo-Provera Lawsuits?
While no settlements have been reached yet, potential compensation in Depo-Provera lawsuits could be substantial based on the severity of injuries and damages suffered.
Potential Damages:
- Medical Expenses: Brain surgery costs, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, future medical care
- Lost Wages: Income lost during treatment and recovery, reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, diminished quality of life
- Wrongful Death: In fatal cases, compensation for loss of life and funeral expenses
- Punitive Damages: Possible additional compensation to punish Pfizer for concealing risks
Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts:
- Duration of Depo-Provera use (longer use typically means higher compensation)
- Severity of meningioma diagnosis
- Need for brain surgery or radiation
- Permanent neurological damage (vision loss, hearing loss, cognitive impairment)
- Age at time of injury
- Impact on quality of life and ability to work
Applying the 5.5x increased risk, the estimated number of annual cases of meningioma among Depo-Provera users jumps to 1,045 to 1,568 cases per year. Historically, in mass torts, 5% to 20% of potentially injured claimants file lawsuits.
Women sharing their experiences have reported lifelong fears and uncertainty about their health due to these alleged risks.
How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Women who developed brain tumors after using Depo-Provera can still join the litigation.
Steps to File a Claim:
- Consult with an Attorney: Contact an experienced mass tort attorney for a free case evaluation
- Gather Medical Records: Collect documentation of Depo-Provera use and meningioma diagnosis
- Complete Intake Forms: Provide detailed information about your Depo-Provera use history
- File Your Lawsuit: Your attorney will file your case in federal MDL or appropriate state court
- Submit Proof of Use Questionnaire: Complete required documentation through MDL Centrality system
Required Medical Documentation:
- Prescription records or pharmacy records showing Depo-Provera injections
- Medical records confirming meningioma diagnosis
- Pathology reports
- Surgical records if you underwent brain surgery
- Imaging studies (MRI, CT scans) showing brain tumor
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
Critical Deadlines and Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing Depo-Provera lawsuits vary by state, making it critical to act quickly.
General Statute of Limitations:
In most states, you typically have 2-3 years after your diagnosis to file a Depo-Provera cancer lawsuit. This deadline varies by state, so it’s important to talk with an experienced attorney and find out more about your options.
Important Timing Considerations:
- The statute of limitations begins when you discover (or should have discovered) the connection between Depo-Provera and your brain tumor
- Many states have “discovery rules” that delay the start of the limitations period until the injury is discovered
- Some states have revival statutes that may reopen expired claims
- The MDL does not prevent new cases from being filed
Why Act Now:
- Bellwether trials likely in late 2026 or 2027; those outcomes will heavily influence settlement strategy
- Proving Depo-Provera use becomes harder as time passes and records are destroyed
- Early filers may be selected for bellwether trials, which could lead to faster resolution
- Settlement negotiations typically accelerate after initial trial verdicts
Pfizer’s Defense and Response to Allegations
Pfizer has denied all wrongdoing and is vigorously defending the Depo-Provera litigation.
Pfizer’s Position:
A spokesperson for Pfizer stated that the company continues to stand by the safety and efficacy of Depo-Provera. Pfizer submitted a motion to dismiss the case and reaffirmed its confidence in the medication despite the allegations.
Pfizer argues that the FDA’s 2024 rejection of its proposed warning label for Depo-Provera prevents the company from being sued under state failure-to-warn laws.
Preemption Defense:
Pfizer is pushing hard to dismiss the litigation by arguing that the FDA’s 2024 rejection of a proposed label change blocks any state-law claims that the company failed to warn about the risk of brain tumors.
Under the controlling case law, Pfizer must show that the FDA clearly and definitively rejected the specific warning plaintiffs say should have been added. A general refusal to accept vague or broadly worded language is not enough.
What This Means for Women’s Health and Pharmaceutical Accountability
The Depo-Provera litigation represents a critical test of pharmaceutical manufacturer accountability and women’s health protection.
Broader Implications:
This makes Black women even more predisposed to the risk of meningioma in the United States. It has already been proven that Black women are 41% more likely to develop cervical cancer. Although 1 in 4 sexually active women use the Depo injection nationally, Black women use nearly double.
FDA and Regulatory Concerns:
While the case is not yet fully resolved, the survivors’ testimonies suggest that the FDA and Pfizer may need to evaluate the risks of this medication and consider how to alert consumers.
Corporate Accountability:
The case demonstrates whether drug manufacturers can be held liable when they allegedly conceal serious health risks from U.S. patients while warning patients in other countries. The outcome will shape future pharmaceutical litigation and potentially influence how drug companies approach safety warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a Depo-Provera lawsuit in December 2025?
Yes. Women who developed brain tumors after using Depo-Provera can still join this litigation. The MDL does not prevent new cases from being filed. Contact an experienced attorney immediately to evaluate your claim before the statute of limitations expires in your state.
How long does it take to settle a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
While there is no global settlement yet, litigation is progressing as more women come forward. Bellwether trials are likely in late 2026 or 2027. Settlement negotiations typically accelerate after initial trial verdicts. Individual case timelines vary based on case complexity and litigation developments.
Do I need to have had brain surgery to qualify?
No. You may qualify if you received Depo-Provera injections and were diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor, even if you have not had surgery. Compensation eligibility depends on your diagnosis and documented Depo-Provera use, not whether you underwent surgical treatment.
What are the symptoms of Depo-Provera brain tumors?
Common Depo-Provera brain tumor symptoms include chronic headaches, seizures, vision changes, memory loss, hearing difficulties, dizziness, balance problems, and cognitive impairment. If you experience these symptoms after Depo-Provera use, seek immediate medical evaluation.
How many Depo-Provera shots do I need to have received to file a lawsuit?
Most attorneys require that you received at least two Depo-Provera injections. Longer duration of use typically strengthens your case and may increase potential compensation. Women who used Depo-Provera for multiple years face significantly higher meningioma risks.
What is the status of the preemption ruling?
As of December 2025, Judge M. Casey Rodgers has not issued her ruling on Pfizer’s preemption motion following the September 29, 2025 hearing. This ruling will determine whether failure-to-warn claims can proceed or are barred by federal law. Plaintiffs’ attorneys remain optimistic the motion will be denied.
Are there class action settlements for Depo-Provera?
The Depo-Provera litigation is structured as a multidistrict litigation (MDL), not a class action. Each plaintiff maintains an individual claim and can seek compensation based on their specific injuries and damages. This allows for personalized settlements reflecting individual harm suffered.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides legal information about the Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit December 2025 updates. It does not constitute legal advice. Women with questions about their specific potential claims should contact a qualified mass tort attorney for a free case evaluation. Information is current as of December 2025 based on publicly available court documents, MDL proceedings, and legal news sources.
Contact Information for More Information:
For more information about the Depo-Provera MDL, visit the Northern District of Florida court website or contact experienced mass tort attorneys handling Depo-Provera brain tumor cases. Time limits apply, so act quickly to protect your legal rights.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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