Lawsuits allege US women were left in the dark about their birth control's link to brain tumors

A growing number of women are joining a multidistrict litigation (MDL) lawsuit alleging that Pfizer failed to adequately warn US patients about a rare but serious risk linked to its birth control injection, Depo-Provera, according to a recent Instagram Reel from lawyer Dillon White. 

The long-acting contraceptive shot, widely used for decades, is now under scrutiny after research tied it to an increased risk of meningiomas—tumors that grow in the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Meningiomas typically grow slowly, but when left undetected, they can grow large enough to require invasive surgery or radiation.

Hormonal factors are believed to play a role in their growth, which is why estrogen- and progesterone-based medications have long been examined in meningioma research.

The tumor link: What the science says

In 2024, a study in The BMJ ^[] sparked concern when it found that women who had taken Depo-Provera were 500% more likely to develop meningiomas than those who hadn’t. 

That number turned heads—but White quickly added context: The baseline risk of developing one of these tumors is incredibly low. A fivefold increase still translates to a small absolute risk for most patients. 

Still, for the women who do develop these tumors, the consequences can be life-altering.

Depo-Provera’s double-edged sword

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a progestin-only birth control shot that provides 3 months of pregnancy prevention per injection. It’s favored by many women for its convenience, effectiveness, and lack of daily maintenance. 

For some, it's also used to manage endometriosis, heavy periods, or even to reduce the risk of uterine cancer in specific populations. But its powerful hormonal effects may also carry risks. The recent study is not the first to raise red flags.

A history of warnings—but not in the US

Back in 2015, Pfizer added warnings about the risk of meningioma to Depo-Provera’s labeling in Canada and several European countries. Those regions were informed that the injection could potentially cause or accelerate the growth of these tumors. 

However, US patients received no such warning, and to this day, the US label does not explicitly mention meningiomas.

This discrepancy forms the crux of the MDL lawsuit, which claims Pfizer prioritized overseas patient safety while leaving American users uninformed.

A legally strong case?

White says the MDL appears to have strong footing. Plaintiffs are pointing to internal documents and regulatory timelines showing that Pfizer was aware of the potential risk and made labeling changes abroad but failed to do the same in the US. 

Some attorneys argue this may amount to negligence or even a breach of duty to warn, especially considering the rising number of patients now reporting meningioma diagnoses after years of Depo-Provera use.

Balancing risk and benefit

It’s important to acknowledge that Depo-Provera still plays a critical role in reproductive healthcare. For many women, it offers a safe, discreet, and long-acting birth control option. 

But the lawsuit is raising deeper questions about informed consent and whether all patients—regardless of geography—deserve the same level of transparency about potential risks.

As the MDL lawsuit progresses, more patients are expected to come forward—and many hope it will spark broader conversations about how risk data is communicated across borders and medical systems.