5 Recent Updates in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera, an injectable contraceptive, has recently been the subject of legal actions due to alleged links to serious health issues, including meningiomas—non-cancerous brain tumors.

Individuals affected by these concerns are seeking justice with the assistance of skilled Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers. Recent developments in the legal landscape have significant implications for potential plaintiffs and the progression of these cases.

Here are five recent updates in the Depo-Provera lawsuit.

Increased Size of the Potential Plaintiff

The number of lawsuits related to Depo-Provera has seen a notable increase. As of March 2025, over 70 cases have been filed in federal courts, with legal experts projecting that the total could rise into the thousands, given the drug’s widespread use. This surge underscores the growing awareness and concern among users about the potential health risks associated with Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera has been used by millions of women globally, making the potential plaintiff pool significantly larger than initial estimates. As awareness spreads, more individuals may come forward, increasing the total number of claims.

Formation of Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

In response to the rising number of cases, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) centralized the Depo-Provera lawsuits into a single MDL on February 7, 2025. This consolidation, assigned to the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers, aims to streamline pretrial proceedings and improve efficiency.

MDL Leadership Appointments

To manage the complexities of the MDL, Judge Rodgers appointed a leadership team comprising experienced attorneys. Notably, Tracy Finken was named Co-Chair of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee. Additionally, Levin Papantonio attorneys Virginia Buchanan and Chris Paulos were appointed to leadership positions within the MDL. These appointments are crucial for coordinating the litigation efforts on behalf of the plaintiffs.

International Legal Actions

The legal challenges surrounding Depo-Provera extend beyond the United States. In Australia, a study published in the British Medical Journal in March 2024 indicated a five-to-six-fold increase in the risk of developing meningiomas among long-term users of Depo-Provera. This finding has prompted Australian law firms, such as Shine Lawyers, to investigate potential class action lawsuits against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera.

Direct Filing in the Depo-Provera MDL

To expedite the legal process, Judge Rodgers issued a pretrial order on March 13, 2025, allowing plaintiffs to file their cases directly into the MDL in the Northern District of Florida. This direct filing procedure is intended to reduce delays associated with transferring cases from other federal districts, facilitating more efficient handling of the litigation. Direct filing helps plaintiffs by simplifying the process, avoiding unnecessary procedural delays, and ensuring that cases are handled consistently within the MDL framework. This change is expected to encourage more affected individuals to come forward and file claims.

Conclusion

The recent developments in the Depo-Provera litigation reflect a concerted effort to address the concerns of individuals alleging harm from the contraceptive. The formation of the MDL, strategic leadership appointments, international legal actions, and procedural enhancements like direct filing collectively aim to streamline the legal process and provide a pathway for affected individuals to seek justice. Those impacted are encouraged to consult with skilled Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers to understand their rights and options in this evolving legal landscape.