Hundreds Sue Pfizer for Birth Control Shot Causing Brain Tumors

Hundreds of women in the United States and the United Kingdom have stepped forward to file lawsuits against pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, alleging that the company failed to warn them about serious risks associated with the widely used birth control injection, Depo-Provera.

These women, many of whom placed their trust in medical systems and pharmaceutical assurances, now face life-altering health challenges, including brain tumors known as meningiomas.

Troubling Discoveries

A 2024 study conducted by France’s National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety revealed a startling connection: women who used Depo-Provera for a year or more faced a fivefold increase in the risk of developing meningiomas, typically benign but potentially dangerous brain tumors.

These tumors, which can press on the brain or spinal cord, may cause severe symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, seizures, vision or hearing problems, and even, in rare cases, death.

The study examined over 18,000 women who underwent brain surgery for meningiomas between 2009 and 2018, underscoring the gravity of this issue.

Whilst countries like Canada and members of the European Union added warnings about meningiomas to Depo-Provera’s packaging years ago, women in the United States have not been similarly informed and as of June 2025, the Depo-Provera label in the U.S. still lacks a specific warning about the risk of brain tumors, leaving many women unaware of the potential dangers tied to a medication they trusted.

Stories of Suffering and Resilience

Among those affected is Lucy Woodward, a nurse and mother of three, whose story is a poignant reminder of the human toll of this oversight. Lucy suffered severe headaches and difficulty understanding others, only to discover a golf ball-sized meningioma pressing on her brain.

Another woman, who began using Depo-Provera in 2005 and was diagnosed with a meningioma at age 37, expressed her gratitude for finding legal representation that understands “the gravity of damage done by the Depo manufacturer.”

These women, and hundreds like them, are not only grappling with physical and emotional pain but also with the betrayal of trust in a system they believed would protect them.

A History of Concern

Depo-Provera has a history marked by controversy: First approved in the U.S. in 1959 for menstrual disorders, it was withdrawn in 1978 due to cancer concerns, only to be re-approved as a contraceptive in 1992.

In 2004, the FDA issued a black box warning (the strongest possible alert) due to the drug’s link to bone mineral density loss, which led to a $2 million class action settlement in 2021.

Fast forward to 2025, and current lawsuits argue that Pfizer was aware of the link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas but failed to adequately warn users or promote safer alternatives. This pattern raises questions about the stewardship of trust and responsibility in the pharmaceutical industry.

The French study was clear: women using synthetic progestins like medroxyprogesterone, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera, for a year or longer faced a 5.6% increased risk of developing meningiomas requiring surgery. Additionally, a 2023 University of Oxford study found that progestogen-only contraceptives, including Depo-Provera, were linked to a 20–30% higher risk of breast cancer. These findings highlight the need for greater transparency and care in the development and distribution of medications.

The Legal Battle and Its Implications

As of June 2025, at least 348 claims have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida. Legal teams are meticulously reviewing each case, ensuring documentation of Depo-Provera prescriptions and meningioma diagnoses.

The first five “bellwether” cases, which will help determine the course of future settlements or trials, have been selected. Past meningioma-related cases suggest potential settlements averaging over $800,000, with trial verdicts reaching upwards of $3 million. However, the financial burden of treating a brain tumor—often exceeding $700,000 before insurance—combined with lost income and emotional distress, underscores the profound impact on these women’s lives.

Globally, an estimated 42 million women have used injectable contraceptives like Depo-Provera, with approximately 25% of sexually active women in the U.S. relying on it at some point. In the U.K., 10,000 women receive the injection monthly through the National Health Service. The slow-growing nature of meningiomas means that many women may not connect their symptoms to their use of Depo-Provera until significant damage has occurred. This delay amplifies the urgency for awareness and action.

Conclusion

Pfizer’s destructive impact is evident in its history of legal battles, from Covid injections to the ongoing lawsuits over Depo-Provera, there is a very real pattern with the company of prioritizing profits over patient safety, leaving countless people left with suffering life-altering consequences.

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