Health
Pfizer Under Fire: 400 Women Allege Birth Control Shot Caused Brain Tumours
- More than 400 women are taking legal action against Pfizer, alleging that the birth control injection Depo-Provera caused them to develop brain tumours known as meningiomas.
- Read along to explore the claims, the science, the legal context, and the wider questions this raises around women鈥檚 health and pharmaceutical accountability.
What Is Depo-Provera and Why Is It Under Scrutiny?
Depo-Provera is a long-acting injectable contraceptive that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate. It has been widely adopted around the world since its approval in the 1990s. A single injection gives three months of contraceptive protection.
For many women, especially in low-resource settings, the shot has been convenient. It doesn鈥檛 require daily attention. It鈥檚 discreet. It鈥檚 accessible.
But for some, it may have come at a cost.
A group of women in the United States, now numbering over 400, are suing , claiming that they developed benign but potentially dangerous brain tumours after taking Depo-Provera over extended periods.
Understanding the Medical Link: What Is a Meningioma?
The core of the legal suit revolves around a condition called meningioma.
- It is a type of tumour that forms in membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- Generally benign, these tumours can cause serious health issues because of their location.
- Symptoms may include headaches, vision impairments, memory issues, and seizures.
Some medical investigations, particularly those conducted in France and the United States, have revealed a link between high levels of synthetic progestins such as medroxyprogesterone and an increased risk of meningioma.
A French study published in March 2024 in The BMJ found that long-term usage of medroxyprogesterone acetate was related to a risk ratio of 5.55 for meningioma when compared to women who had never used it.
The Legal Case: What Are the Women Claiming?
The lawsuits were consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL 3140) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on February 7, 2025.
Key points raised in the legal filings:
- Pfizer allegedly failed to warn users about the tumour risk
- Some claim their doctors were unaware of the potential side effects
- The majority of plaintiffs report extended use of the injection, often more than five years
Lawyers involved argue that Pfizer knew about the potential risks through internal research and adverse event reports but did not act in time to update warning labels or issue broader advisories.
It was stated by Pfizer that there has been extensive safety testing of Depo-Provera and that it remains a product that is approved by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, EMA, and the MHRA in the UK.
Global Usage and Relevance to the UK
In the UK, Depo-Provera is available by prescription and is often recommended as part of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) plans offered by the NHS.
According to NHS Digital, injectable contraceptives were used as the main method of contraception by 7% of females attending Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in England during 2022/23.
Women across the UK and Europe may now be asking similar questions:
- Were they told about the risk of meningiomas?
- Is there a need for updated NHS guidance?
- Should consent forms be revised for those beginning LARC treatment?
What Do Regulatory Bodies Say?
In 2021, France鈥檚 national drug agency (ANSM) required warning updates for certain progestin-based contraceptives. The decision followed pharmacovigilance reviews triggered by data from cancer registries.
The MHRA, the imposing UK-based regulatory authority, has held its line that any risks linked to Depo-Provera are sufficiently covered by the existing set of guidelines. However, after these lawsuits, public health advocacy groups are calling for:
- A fresh review of clinical data
- Updated patient information leaflets
- Mandatory reporting for suspected tumour-related side effects
Personal Stories: What the Plaintiffs Are Saying
Several plaintiffs have shared their experiences publicly. One woman, aged 42, described prolonged headaches, later diagnosed as pressure from a growing meningioma. Another spoke of memory lapses and balance issues that developed after 10 years on Depo-Provera.
While these are individual accounts, their consistency has fuelled concern.
Some women say they were never warned. Others say they would have made different choices had the risks been clear.
This has raised urgent questions about informed consent鈥攏ot just in the US, but globally.
Risk vs. Access: A Broader Debate
For millions of women around the world, injectable contraception remains a preferred option.
- In parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, Depo-Provera is distributed by NGOs and national health bodies.
- In these regions, contraception uptake is often tied to accessibility and discretion.
The challenge is balancing these benefits with emerging risks. Should there be additional safeguards? More training for providers? International labelling reforms?
This lawsuit is not just about the plaintiffs. It may reshape how reproductive healthcare is delivered.
What Should Users Do?
If you鈥檙e currently using Depo-Provera or have used it in the past, you might be wondering what steps to take.
Here are some practical actions:
- Speak with your GP or healthcare provider about any symptoms you鈥檝e experienced
- Review your medical history and prescription timeline
- Ask whether alternative contraceptive options are available
- Stay informed through regulatory updates from the MHRA and NHS
Final Thought
This isn鈥檛 the first time a pharmaceutical product has been subject to retrospective scrutiny, and it likely won鈥檛 be the last.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Pfizer are about more than compensation. They spotlight a system where transparency, access, and accountability must work together.
As the lawsuits develop, so too will the public conversation around safety, consent, and trust in women鈥檚 healthcare.
