
Written by Fob James IV, Esq. | Fob James Law Firm, LLC | Last Updated: June 22, 2026
In short: Women in Alabama diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor after using Depo-Provera (Pfizer’s birth-control shot) for a year or more may qualify to file a lawsuit. The cases are consolidated in federal MDL No. 3140, which has grown to more than 5,500 filings as of June 2026. Alabama’s deadline is generally two years from when you discovered the link between Depo-Provera and your diagnosis (Ala. Code § 6-2-38). Fob James Law Firm represents Alabama women statewide on a contingency fee (33–40%) — you pay nothing unless we win. If this sounds like your situation, you may be eligible to pursue an Alabama Depo Provera lawsuit.Call 205-407-6009.
Depo-Provera Lawsuit Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Drug | Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate), manufactured by Pfizer |
| Injury | Meningioma brain tumors linked to prolonged use |
| Risk Increase | 5x or more increased risk after 1+ year of use (BMJ, March 2024) |
| MDL | No. 3140, Northern District of Florida, Judge M. Casey Rodgers |
| Total Cases Filed | 5,500+ as of June 2026 (growing ~650 per month) |
| Daubert/Causation Hearing | June 27, 2026 (Pensacola) |
| First Pilot Trial | On hold — Dec. 7, 2026 deadlines vacated (June 2026 settlement) |
| Who Qualifies | Women diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera for at least 1-2 years |
| Alabama Filing Deadline | 2 years (manufacturer) / 1 year (original seller) — consult an attorney |
| Attorney Fees | Contingency fee (33–40%) — you pay nothing unless we win |
| Free Consultation | Call 205-407-6009 or contact us online |
The Depo-Provera lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are representing women across Alabama who were diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor after using Pfizer’s popular birth control shot. The country is witnessing a surge in Depo-Provera lawsuits as individuals step forward, alleging serious side effects associated with the contraceptive injection, including a link to meningioma brain tumors. This growing depo provera lawsuit landscape has prompted many Alabama families to seek local counsel.
The crux of the Depo-Provera lawsuit is that Pfizer and other drug companies failed to adequately warn women that using their birth control shot increases the chance of developing meningioma brain tumors by over 5 times.
At Fob James Law Firm, we want to provide a clear understanding of the Depo-Provera lawsuit, what the claims involve, and how those affected across Alabama — from Birmingham to Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa — can seek legal assistance.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a meningioma, contact an experienced Alabama Depo-Provera lawyer for a free case evaluation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 24/7 at 205-407-6009.
Why Our Alabama Depo-Provera Lawyers Are the Top Choice
When you search for a Depo-Provera lawyer in Alabama, you will see ads from national lead-generation firms and out-of-state mass-tort shops. Fob James Law Firm is different: we are an Alabama law firm, based in Birmingham, licensed in Alabama, and accountable to Alabama clients. When you call, you speak with Fob James IV — not an intake center in another state. We charge a 33–40% contingency fee, not the 45% many national firms charge, and we deliberately take fewer cases so each client gets real attention.
For more than 40 years, the Depo-Provera attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of drug injuries across the country from our offices in Birmingham, Alabama.
- We work closely with each of our clients, ensuring they receive personalized attention.
- With our firm, you will actually speak with your dedicated lawyer — not an assistant.
- Comprehensive medical record evaluations by top specialists.
- Deep experience in pharmaceutical and mass tort litigation, including active participation in the Depo-Provera MDL.
- Alabama-based team with real federal and state courtroom experience.
- Backed by the power and resources of national drug-injury litigation.
- Contingency fee representation — pay nothing unless we win.
- Lower fees than most firms: We charge a 33–40% contingency fee, compared to the 45% many other firms charge in the Depo-Provera litigation.
- We handle Depo-Provera cases in all 50 states.
Whether you’re looking for a Depo Provera lawyer in Alabama or a Depo Provera lawyer in Birmingham, our team is ready to help.
About the author: Fob James IV is the managing attorney of Fob James Law Firm and a Vanderbilt Law graduate recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and as a SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020–2025). He has represented clients in pharmaceutical and mass-tort litigation nationwide, including the Depo-Provera MDL.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.
Proven Results in Drug-Injury & Mass-Tort Litigation
Our firm has recovered over $100 million for more than 1,000 clients across 48 states, with a 4.9-star Google rating. Representative results include:
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts. See our case results.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a contraceptive drug made by Pfizer containing the synthetic progestin hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The generic version of the birth control shot is manufactured by Mylan N.V. (now part of Viatris).
The Depo-Provera shot is administered in the arm or buttocks every three months. The shot’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining.
The convenience of this contraceptive shot has made it a preferred choice for millions of women since the FDA approved it in 1992. However, Depo-Provera has been associated with several serious side effects.
Many women experience severe side effects from the Depo-Provera birth control shot, including:
- Menstrual irregularities
- Headaches
- Bone density loss and osteoporosis
- Blood clots
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Weight gain and mood changes
- Meningioma brain tumors — the most alarming risk
The most alarming side effect — and the basis for the Depo-Provera lawsuits — is meningioma, a usually benign but potentially dangerous brain tumor. Depo-Provera elevates progesterone levels in women, which can stimulate tumor growth in the brain and spinal cord.
Scientific studies suggest that Depo-Provera increases the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors by more than five times, leading to a wave of lawsuits from affected individuals in Alabama and across the country.
What Is a Meningioma Brain Tumor?
A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the protective membranes (called the meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. While often benign, meningioma tumors can cause severe neurological damage, blindness, seizures, and even death depending on their size and location.
Meningioma is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head. These tumors frequently develop behind the eyes, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
Common symptoms of meningioma tumors include:
- Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
- Headaches that worsen over time
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Memory loss
- Loss of smell
- Seizures
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Speech difficulties
Meningioma tumors are typically graded I through III based on their severity:
- Grade I: A non-cancerous tumor that grows very slowly. This is the most common type of meningioma.
- Grade II: Non-cancerous but more rapidly growing tumors that may require surgery or radiation treatment.
- Grade III: Rare cancerous tumors that grow fast and aggressively and may spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for meningioma often requires invasive brain surgery (craniotomy), radiation therapy, or both. Even Grade I meningiomas can recur after removal, requiring ongoing medical monitoring and additional procedures.
What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Alabama About?
Pfizer and other manufacturers of Depo-Provera have been sued because their birth control shots allegedly increase the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. As of June 2026, more than 5,500 lawsuits have been consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3140) in the Northern District of Florida, with new cases being filed at a rate of roughly 650 per month. The Depo-Provera lawsuits are primarily based on two legal theories: (i) failure to warn and (ii) design defect.
Pfizer’s Failure to Warn
The Depo-Provera lawsuits in Alabama argue that Pfizer failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors and other severe side effects after using the contraceptive injections.
Despite having knowledge of the risks — including warnings that were already required in Canada and Europe — the Depo-Provera lawsuits allege Pfizer aggressively marketed their birth control shots as a safe alternative to other birth control drugs without disclosing the meningioma risk on the U.S. label.
Notably, it was not until December 2025 that the FDA finally approved a meningioma warning on the Depo-Provera label, decades after the science first suggested a connection. Plaintiffs argue this delay was inexcusable.
Depo-Provera’s Design Defects
The Depo-Provera lawsuits also allege that the design of the drug was defective, particularly the high dose of synthetic progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate), which can stimulate the growth of meningioma tumors. The lawsuits further allege that Pfizer negligently failed to formulate the birth control shots in a way that would not increase the risk of brain tumors.
Alabama plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by their meningioma diagnosis.
To discuss the specific claims in your case, call a compassionate Alabama Depo-Provera lawyer for a free case review.
Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Alabama?
Women in Alabama who were diagnosed with a meningioma tumor after using the following birth control shots may qualify for the Depo-Provera lawsuit:
- Depo-Provera (manufactured by Pfizer)
- Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (manufactured by Pfizer)
- Generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injections (manufactured by Mylan N.V. / Viatris, Greenstone LLC, or Prasco Labs)
In most cases that qualify, the victim used the Depo-Provera birth control shot at least two years before receiving a meningioma diagnosis, although some law firms and studies suggest that one year of use may be sufficient to establish eligibility.
You must have an image-confirmed diagnosis of a cranial or spinal meningioma. Key evidence includes pharmacy records, medical records documenting injections, insurance billing records, and imaging reports (MRI or CT scans) confirming the meningioma diagnosis.
It does not matter where in Alabama you live. We represent Depo-Provera victims statewide — in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Dothan, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden, and every county across Alabama. If you live in the Birmingham metro specifically, see our dedicated Birmingham Depo-Provera Lawyer page. We also handle Depo-Provera cases in all 50 states.
To see if your case qualifies, contact an Alabama Depo-Provera attorney at Fob James Law Firm today.
Does Depo-Provera Cause Meningioma? The Science Is Strong
The scientific evidence connecting Depo-Provera to meningioma brain tumors continues to grow stronger. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have established a significant association between prolonged use of the injectable contraceptive and the development of intracranial meningiomas.
British Medical Journal Study (March 2024)
In March 2024, the British Medical Journal published a landmark study analyzing data from more than 18,000 women in France who underwent surgery for meningiomas between 2009 and 2018.
The researchers found that women who had used Depo-Provera for more than one year were over 5.6 times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors than women who either did not use the drug or used it for a short period of time.
The bottom line: the BMJ study concludes that the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate significantly increases the risk of developing intracranial meningioma.
University of British Columbia Study (February 2025)
On February 2, 2025, researchers at the University of British Columbia published a study confirming the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma.
Specifically, the researchers found that taking medroxyprogesterone acetate for at least one year increases the risk of meningioma by more than 3.55 times compared to non-users.
JAMA Neurology Study (September 2025)
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Neurology) published a study in September 2025 that further strengthened the causal link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors. This study is particularly significant because of its massive scale — roughly 10 million women were included in the analysis.
The JAMA study found a 2.43-fold risk increase in brain tumors among women who took Depo-Provera versus women who did not use the birth control shot. These findings are consistent with prior studies and add substantial weight to the plaintiffs’ cases.
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Study (August 2025)
A study published in the medical journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety in August 2025 found that use of Pfizer’s Depo-Provera for more than one year is associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma compared with the use of oral birth control pills. The study concluded that Depo-Provera’s active ingredient “is linked to a substantially increased risk of meningiomas.”
The Science Is Still Evolving
The scientific evidence linking Depo-Provera and meningioma continues to grow. We expect additional studies to be published throughout 2026, which will likely further strengthen the case against Pfizer. Notably, the general-causation Daubert/Rule 702 hearing is scheduled for July 27, 2026 in Pensacola (rescheduled from June 24–26), where Judge Rodgers will evaluate whether the plaintiffs’ scientific experts may testify that Depo-Provera causes meningioma. Because Pretrial Order No. 30 makes this ruling applicable to every case in the MDL, the outcome will affect all pending Alabama claims at once.
How Do Alabama Product Liability Laws Apply to Depo-Provera Cases?
Alabama has specific laws that govern product liability claims like the Depo-Provera lawsuit. Understanding these laws is important for any Alabama resident considering filing a claim.
Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Product Liability
The time to file a claim is called the statute of limitations. In Alabama, the deadline depends on who you are suing:
- Two years from the date of injury for claims against the manufacturer (Pfizer) under Alabama’s general product liability framework (Ala. Code § 6-2-38).
- One year from the date of injury for claims against the original seller (such as the pharmacy or clinic that administered the Depo-Provera injection) under the Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD).
In the context of the Depo-Provera litigation, most claims are directed at Pfizer as the manufacturer, meaning the two-year statute of limitations typically applies. However, if your claim also involves the pharmacy, clinic, or healthcare provider who sold or administered the injection, the shorter one-year deadline may apply to those parties.
The statute of limitations analysis in Depo-Provera cases involves several additional considerations:
- Discovery Rule: Alabama courts recognize that the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the plaintiff knows, or reasonably should know, about both the injury and its connection to the product. For many women, the link between Depo-Provera and meningioma only became widely known after the March 2024 BMJ study was published. This means the clock may not have started running until recently for many potential plaintiffs.
- Equitable Tolling: Alabama courts may toll (pause) the statute of limitations if the defendant engaged in fraudulent concealment. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer concealed the meningioma risk for decades despite having knowledge of the connection.
- Minor Tolling: For cases involving minors, the statute of limitations tolls until the injured minor turns 19 years old. On their 19th birthday, the claimant then has the applicable limitations period to file a lawsuit.
- Wrongful Death: In the context of a wrongful death claim, the personal representative of the deceased victim has two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a lawsuit.
- Statute of Repose: Alabama also imposes a statute of repose that may set an outer limit on when claims can be filed regardless of the discovery rule.
Do not assume that you have a lot of time to file your claim. Filing deadlines in the Depo-Provera litigation are strict, and missing them could permanently bar your case. Contact a Depo-Provera lawyer in Alabama immediately to discuss the filing deadlines that apply to your specific situation.
Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rules
Alabama is one of the few states that follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence, which can bar recovery if the plaintiff is found even slightly at fault. However, in Depo-Provera cases, this defense is unlikely to apply because women used the birth control shot as prescribed by their physicians and had no way of knowing about the undisclosed meningioma risk.
Punitive Damages in Alabama Depo-Provera Cases
Alabama law allows plaintiffs to seek punitive damages in cases involving fraud, willful misconduct, or gross negligence. Given the allegations that Pfizer concealed the meningioma risk for decades while continuing to market Depo-Provera as safe, punitive damages may be available in certain cases.
Depo-Provera Settlement Amounts and Case Values in Alabama
What Can I Recover From an Alabama Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but plaintiffs who file a Depo-Provera lawsuit in Alabama can recover money for the following damages:
- Past and future medical bills (including brain surgery, radiation therapy, medication, hospital stays, and in-home care)
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
- Funeral expenses (in the event of a loved one’s death)
- Any other past and future costs associated with the meningioma diagnosis
If your loved one died as a result of their meningioma, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Call our Depo-Provera lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama for a free case evaluation tailored to your specific situation.
What Is the Estimated Value of Depo-Provera Cases?
The value of a Depo-Provera lawsuit is difficult to determine at this stage because no cases have gone to trial or settled yet. The first pilot trial, set for December 7, 2026, was placed on hold in June 2026 after the parties reached a settlement agreement. Many factors go into the value of each case, including the severity and grade of the meningioma; whether the plaintiff required surgery, radiation, or both; the permanency of injuries and neurological deficits; total medical costs; the duration of Depo-Provera use; the age of the plaintiff; and the venue where the case is litigated.
We believe three key factors support higher settlement values compared to other mass torts:
Why Depo-Provera Cases May Carry Higher Value
- 1.Meningioma is a severe injury — brain tumors and brain surgery are among the most serious injuries a person can suffer.
- 2.The cost of treatment is significant — craniotomy, radiation, monitoring, and rehabilitation can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- 3.Many plaintiffs are middle-aged or younger — resulting in decades of future damages.
Until bellwether trials occur, it is near impossible to estimate case values with precision. Taking this with a grain of salt, our best estimate is that most Depo-Provera cases will settle in the $200,000 to $500,000+ range, with the most severe cases (multiple surgeries, permanent disability) potentially commanding significantly higher values.
For context, in other meningioma-related litigation, settlement payouts have historically averaged more than $800,000, with jury verdicts exceeding $3 million.
To discuss your Depo-Provera case value, schedule a free consultation with our experienced Alabama Depo-Provera lawyers today.
Alabama Depo-Provera Lawsuit FAQ
Has the FDA Recalled Depo-Provera?
No, the FDA has not recalled Depo-Provera. However, there have been two significant regulatory actions. First, the FDA has long required Pfizer to include a “black box warning” — the agency’s most serious warning — about the risk of bone density loss and osteoporosis. The FDA recommends that women use Depo-Provera no more than two years.
Second, and most importantly for the current litigation, in December 2025 the FDA approved a new warning label for Depo-Provera that specifically warns about the risk of meningioma brain tumors with repeated or long-term use. The updated label states that cases of meningiomas have been reported following repeated administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate, and urges clinicians to monitor patients for signs and symptoms of meningioma. This was the first time the U.S. label acknowledged the meningioma risk — years after Canada and European countries had already required similar warnings.
Key fact: In December 2025, the FDA approved a new Depo-Provera label that specifically warns about meningioma brain tumors — the first time the U.S. label acknowledged this risk, years after Canada and Europe required it. Plaintiffs argue this delay supports their failure-to-warn claims.
Is There a Depo-Provera Class Action Lawsuit?
Technically, the Depo-Provera litigation is not a class action. It is a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is a different legal mechanism. In a class action, one plaintiff represents an entire group, and any settlement applies to all class members. In an MDL, each plaintiff files an individual lawsuit, but all cases are consolidated before one judge for pretrial proceedings to avoid duplicating discovery and motion practice.
The Depo-Provera MDL (No. 3140) is consolidated in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers. As of June 2026, more than 5,500 individual lawsuits have been filed in the MDL — up from 2,098 in February 2026 — with filings continuing at roughly 650 per month and additional cases pending in state courts in New York, Delaware, California, and other states.
The practical difference for clients is that in an MDL, each case is evaluated individually, meaning your settlement amount will depend on the specific facts of your case — your diagnosis, treatment, usage history, and damages.
Can I Still File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit in 2026?
Yes, it is not too late to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. New cases are being filed every month, and the MDL continues to grow. The first pilot trial (originally scheduled in December 2026) is on hold pending a potential global settlement.
However, you should act quickly. In Alabama, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury for claims against the manufacturer (Pfizer) and one year against the original seller (such as the pharmacy or clinic). The discovery rule may extend these deadlines, but waiting too long could permanently bar your case. Additionally, the earlier you file, the easier it is to gather medical records and other evidence to support your claim.
Contact our Depo-Provera lawyers to discuss your eligibility today.
Does Depo-Provera Cause Brain Tumors?
Multiple peer-reviewed scientific studies have found a significant association between Depo-Provera use and the development of meningioma brain tumors. The BMJ study (March 2024) found a 5.6x increased risk. The JAMA Neurology study (September 2025) found a 2.43x increased risk in a study of 10 million women. The University of British Columbia study (February 2025) found a 3.55x increased risk. And the Expert Opinion on Drug Safety study (August 2025) found a 3.5x increased risk.
While Pfizer maintains that Depo-Provera is safe, the growing scientific consensus — and the FDA’s December 2025 decision to add a meningioma warning to the label — strongly supports the connection between the drug and brain tumors.
How Many Depo-Provera Lawsuits Have Been Filed?
As of June 2026, more than 5,500 Depo-Provera lawsuits have been filed in the federal MDL (No. 3140) in the Northern District of Florida — up from roughly 2,098 in February 2026, reflecting a filing pace of about 650 new cases per month. Hundreds of additional cases are pending in state courts in Delaware, New York, California, Illinois, and other states.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys report holding thousands of additional unfiled claims that are being evaluated and prepared for filing. The number of cases is expected to continue growing significantly throughout 2026 and beyond.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Depo-Provera Lawyer in Alabama?
Fob James Law Firm operates on a contingency-fee basis in the Depo-Provera lawsuits. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. If we do not obtain a recovery, then you owe us nothing.
Many clients have told us that other firms are charging 45% contingency fees in the Depo-Provera litigation. However, Fob James Law Firm charges Depo-Provera lawsuit clients a 33–40% contingency fee — saving you thousands of dollars if your case is successful.
To speak with our experienced Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers, call us today at 205-407-6009.
How Do I Join the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Joining the Depo-Provera lawsuit is simple. Call us today at 205-407-6009 or submit your contact information through our website, and our attorneys will contact you to discuss your case.
Our team will help you:
- Gather your medical records documenting Depo-Provera use
- Obtain imaging reports confirming your meningioma diagnosis
- Evaluate the strength of your claim
- File your lawsuit in the appropriate court
It does not matter where you live. We represent victims of the Depo-Provera birth control shot in all 50 states.
When Will the Depo-Provera Lawsuit Be Settled?
The Depo-Provera cases have been consolidated into MDL No. 3140, and the litigation is currently in the discovery phase, where the parties exchange documents, take depositions, and present expert testimony.
Several critical milestones are approaching:
- July 27, 2026 (Pensacola): Daubert/Rule 702 hearing on general causation — rescheduled from June 24–26; the court will evaluate whether the scientific evidence linking Depo-Provera to meningioma is sufficient
- First bellwether trial — on hold: the December 7, 2026 trial deadlines were vacated in June 2026 after the parties reached a settlement agreement
- 2027 and beyond: Additional bellwether trials expected
Bellwether trials serve as test cases that give both sides a barometer on the value and strength of different types of cases. The outcomes of these trials heavily influence settlement negotiations. The goal of the bellwether process is to facilitate a global settlement for a majority of the pending cases.
What Is the Average Depo-Provera Settlement?
There are no Depo-Provera settlements yet because the litigation is still in its pretrial stages. However, based on the severity of meningioma injuries, the cost of brain surgery, and comparable pharmaceutical litigation, our best estimate is that Depo-Provera cases will settle in the $200,000 to $500,000+ range for typical cases. The most severe cases — involving multiple surgeries, permanent neurological deficits, or death — could command significantly higher values.
In other meningioma-related litigation, settlement payouts have historically averaged more than $800,000, with jury verdicts exceeding $3 million.
Settlement amounts will become much clearer after the first bellwether trials take place in late 2026 or 2027.
Depo-Provera MDL 3140 Litigation Updates (June 2026)
We post updates on the Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit throughout the litigation and strive to update at least once per month following each Case Management Conference. If you have questions about litigation updates, feel free to call us 24/7 at 205-407-6009.
🔔 Breaking (June 15, 2026): Global Depo-Provera Settlement Agreement Reached
Court filings show Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel and Pfizer (with Pharmacia) have reached an agreement in principle on a global settlement that may resolve thousands of meningioma claims in the MDL. Judge Rodgers vacated the trial deadlines in Toney v. Pfizer, putting the first bellwether trial on hold. Terms are not yet public — eligibility criteria and settlement amounts have not been released — and the agreement will not resolve every case; only plaintiffs who meet the agreed eligibility criteria can participate.
The court’s general-causation Rule 702 (Daubert) hearing has been rescheduled to July 27, 2026 in Pensacola (previously June 24–26), and the ruling on Pfizer’s federal-preemption motion was postponed.
What this means for Alabama women: if you used Depo-Provera and were diagnosed with a meningioma, filing now may be critical to qualifying under the settlement’s eligibility criteria. Call 866-837-1010 for a free review.
June 15, 2026 – Global Settlement Agreement Reached; First Trial Put on Hold
In an order issued June 15, 2026, Judge Rodgers confirmed that Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel and defendants Pfizer Inc., Pharmacia LLC, and Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC have reached a global agreement in principle to settle thousands of Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits in the MDL. As a result, the court vacated all trial and pretrial deadlines in Toney v. Pfizer Inc. — one of the pilot cases that had been moving toward trial — which may eliminate the immediate need for the first bellwether trial.
Important caveats remain. The settlement terms have not been made public, including eligibility requirements, settlement amounts, and how individual claims will be valued. The court was also clear that the agreement, once finalized, will not resolve every case in the MDL — only plaintiffs who meet the eligibility criteria agreed to by the parties will have an opportunity to participate.
For that reason, the litigation is not over. In Pretrial Order No. 30A (also issued June 15), Judge Rodgers postponed her ruling on Pfizer’s federal-preemption summary-judgment motion but indicated the court still intends to hold the Rule 702 (Daubert) general-causation hearing — which has now been rescheduled from June 24–26 to July 27, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Current MDL plaintiffs who did not seek to submit separate general-causation experts will be bound by the court’s Rule 702 ruling.
If you used Depo-Provera and were diagnosed with a meningioma, it is important to have your claim evaluated now to determine whether you may qualify under the settlement’s eligibility criteria. Contact our Depo-Provera lawyers today at 866-837-1010 for a free case review.
June 11, 2026 – Daubert Causation Hearing Set for June 24–26 as MDL Surpasses 5,500 Cases
The Depo-Provera MDL has reached its most consequential stage yet. The three-day Daubert/Rule 702 hearing on general causation is now set for June 24–26, 2026. At this hearing, Judge Rodgers will decide whether the plaintiffs’ scientific experts may testify that Depo-Provera causes meningioma — the gateway question for the entire litigation. Because Pretrial Order No. 30 makes the ruling applicable to every case in the MDL, the outcome will affect all pending Alabama claims at once.
The litigation also continues its record growth. More than 5,500 cases are now pending in MDL 3140 — up from roughly 2,098 in February — with new lawsuits being filed at a pace of approximately 650 per month. Pfizer’s federal preemption motion remains fully briefed and awaiting a ruling that could come at any time, and the next Case Management Conference is set for June 26, 2026.
For Alabama women diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera, the message is the same: this litigation is moving faster than almost any mass tort in recent history, and the sooner you file, the better positioned your claim will be. Contact our Depo-Provera lawyers today at 205-407-6009 for a free case review.
May 15, 2026 – Daubert Hearing Continued to June; Case Count Climbs Past 3,500
At the May 15, 2026 Case Management Conference, the Court confirmed the schedule for the upcoming general-causation proceedings. The Rule 702/Daubert hearing originally targeted for May 26–28, 2026 was reset to June 24–26, 2026, giving the parties additional time to complete expert briefing. Expert disclosures and depositions proceeded on schedule, with Daubert briefing fully submitted by the end of May.
The MDL continued its rapid expansion through the spring, climbing past 3,400 pending cases in April (per JPML statistics) and continuing to grow at roughly 650 new filings per month on its way toward 5,000-plus by early summer. Pfizer’s federal preemption motion — which now must contend with the December 2025 FDA label change that added the very meningioma warning plaintiffs say was missing for years — remained under submission and awaiting a decision from Judge Rodgers. A favorable ruling for plaintiffs on preemption would clear the path directly to the June causation hearing and keep the December 7, 2026 bellwether trial on track.
April 2, 2026 – Depo-Provera Litigation Continues to Move at Record Pace
The Depo-Provera MDL is not just shaping up to be a significant litigation for the thousands of women injured by this drug — it is becoming a roadmap for how to move a complex MDL at rapid pace.
Discovery is wrapping up, and the Daubert hearing on general causation is approaching. The Court is doing everything in its power to hold the December 7, 2026 bellwether trial date. All signs suggest it will.
Consider the timeline. The MDL was formed on February 7, 2025. In just over a year, Judge Rodgers has given us a master class in how to streamline mass tort litigation. We will have rulings on both federal preemption and expert causation within the first 18 months of the MDL’s formation. We will have a trial in under 20 months. And this is not a small litigation — the Depo-Provera MDL is the fastest-growing MDL of 2026. We expect 8,000 or more cases to be filed by the end of the year.
For Alabama women who have been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, the pace of this litigation is good news. A faster trial means a faster path to accountability and compensation. Contact our Depo-Provera lawyers today at 205-407-6009 for a free case review.
January 27, 2026 – Pretrial Order No. 30 Applies Rulings MDL-Wide
Judge Rodgers entered Pretrial Order No. 30, clarifying that her upcoming rulings on federal preemption and expert causation (Daubert) will apply across the entire MDL — not just the five pilot cases. This is significant because it means a favorable ruling for plaintiffs on these issues will benefit all pending cases. The order also confirmed the litigation schedule: if Pfizer loses on preemption, the case moves directly into Rule 702 hearings on general causation.
December 17, 2025 – FDA Approves Brain Tumor Warning
In a major development for the Depo-Provera litigation, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new warning label for Pfizer’s Depo-Provera birth control shot that alerts patients and healthcare providers to the increased risk of meningiomas with long-term or repeated use. This was the first time the FDA formally recognized the meningioma risk on the U.S. product label, aligning U.S. prescribing information more closely with warnings already used in Canada and Europe.
The updated label states that “cases of meningiomas have been reported following repeated administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate, primarily with long-term use,” and urges clinicians to monitor for symptoms and counsel patients accordingly.
This development could significantly impact the ongoing litigation by strengthening plaintiffs’ arguments that the risk was known but not properly communicated for years. Ironically, the label change was requested by Pfizer itself — likely in an effort to cap future liability.
Earlier Litigation Milestones
- November 3, 2025 – Depo-Provera lawsuit tally passes 1,200 in the MDL.
- September 2, 2025 – JAMA study finds 2.43-fold brain tumor risk increase in approximately 10 million women.
- August 1, 2025 – Expert Opinion on Drug Safety study shows 3.5-fold risk increase.
- June 1, 2025 – Case Management Order No. 23 establishes a process for addressing complaint deficiencies.
- April 3, 2025 – Court approves the “Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire.”
- March 1, 2025 – Judge Rodgers selects five pilot cases and signals a rapid litigation pace.
- February 24, 2025 – Case Management Order No. 1 establishes the MDL framework.
- February 9, 2025 – JPML forms MDL-3140 in the Northern District of Florida. Alabama federal cases now transfer to the MDL.
- February 5, 2025 – A Birmingham, Alabama woman files a Depo-Provera lawsuit (used the shots 2017–2022); her case transfers to MDL-3140.
For the complete archived timeline of every development, call our Depo-Provera lawyers at 205-407-6009.
Contact a Depo-Provera Lawyer Near Me in Birmingham, Alabama
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor after using Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or a generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, contact our Alabama Depo-Provera attorneys immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It will not cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you will never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
We serve clients from our Birmingham office located at 2226 1st Ave S, Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35233 and represent Depo-Provera victims throughout Alabama and all 50 states.
Contact us right now at 205-407-6009 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.