Depo-Provera MDL 3140 Status — Judge Rodgers, Bellwether Schedule, and Case Count

Depo-Provera MDL 3140 is the federal lawsuit consolidating claims that a common birth control shot caused brain tumors. Thousands of women say long-term Depo-Provera use led to meningioma. This litigation is centralized before one judge in Florida. It coordinates pretrial work for cases filed across the country. As a result, the outcome here will shape how thousands of injury claims are resolved. This page explains the current status, the case count, and what plaintiffs can expect.

What Is the Depo-Provera Mdl 3140 About?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive. Its active ingredient is medroxyprogesterone acetate, often called MPA. Women receive the shot every three months. The product is made by Pfizer and related companies, including Pharmacia LLC and Pharmacia & Upjohn.

The lawsuits center on meningioma. Meningiomas are tumors that form in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Most are non-cancerous. However, they can still cause serious harm. Symptoms include headaches, vision loss, seizures, and hearing problems. In many cases, patients need brain surgery to remove the tumor.

A 2024 study published in the medical literature linked prolonged MPA use to a higher meningioma risk. Plaintiffs allege the manufacturers knew of this risk. They claim the U.S. warning label failed to disclose it. As a result, the Depo-Provera MDL 3140 argues patients were never given a fair chance to make an informed choice.

Depo-Provera MDL 3140 Case Status and Key Facts

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created this MDL on February 7, 2025. It centralized federal cases in the Northern District of Florida. Judge M. Casey Rodgers presides. She previously managed the large 3M earplug litigation. The Depo-Provera MDL 3140 has grown quickly since consolidation.

The docket has expanded fast. By early 2026, filings climbed by more than 1,000 in a single month. This makes it one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical mass torts. You can track official filings through the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.

A first bellwether trial had been set for December 7, 2026. However, the court vacated those deadlines. The parties reached a settlement framework in principle. Typically, a general-causation hearing decides whether expert evidence can proceed. That Daubert hearing was reset to July 27, 2026.

Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Mdl 3140?

Eligibility depends on your medical history. In most cases, plaintiffs must show they used Depo-Provera for a meaningful period. Many claims involve repeated injections over one year or longer. Longer exposure generally strengthens the alleged link.

You must also have a qualifying diagnosis. The core injury is meningioma confirmed by imaging or surgery. For example, an MRI, a CT scan, or a pathology report can support the claim. A doctor’s records tying your tumor to the timeline matter greatly.

Evidence is central to the Depo-Provera MDL 3140. Helpful documents include pharmacy records, clinic notes, and injection logs. Surgical and treatment records also help. However, only a licensed attorney can review your file and confirm whether you may qualify. Every case is different.

How to File a Depo-Provera Mdl 3140 Claim

Start by finding an experienced product liability attorney. Look for firms handling pharmaceutical MDL cases. Most offer free consultations. Typically, they work on a contingency fee. That means you pay nothing unless you recover.

Your lawyer gathers your medical and pharmacy records. Next, they file your case in federal court or file directly into the MDL. Then you complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet. This form collects your use history, diagnosis, and treatment details. It is required in the Depo-Provera MDL 3140.

Deadlines matter. Every state sets a statute of limitations for injury claims. For example, some states allow only two years from diagnosis. Others use a discovery rule. You can read more about these limits at Cornell Legal Information Institute. Act quickly to protect your rights.

Settlement Updates and What to Expect

In June 2026, Judge Rodgers confirmed a major development. Pfizer and plaintiffs’ lead counsel reached a global agreement in principle. It would let eligible MDL plaintiffs resolve their claims. As a result, the December bellwether trial deadlines were vacated.

However, nothing is final yet. The financial terms have not been released. The parties are still working out the details. Only plaintiffs who meet the agreed eligibility rules may take part. Payout amounts in mass torts vary widely from person to person.

Several factors typically affect any individual recovery. These include duration of use, tumor severity, and surgery. Age, lost income, and ongoing care also matter. No one can promise a specific result. You might be eligible, but a licensed attorney must evaluate your situation first.

State-by-State Considerations

State law still shapes each claim, even inside a federal MDL. For example, statutes of limitations differ by state. Some states also cap certain damages through tort reform. As a result, where you live can affect your case value and deadlines.

Plaintiffs come from across the country. States like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania show notable filing activity. Each has its own rules and court guides. Because these laws vary, discuss your state’s specifics with a licensed attorney before you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Depo-Provera MDL 3140 a class action?

No. It is a multidistrict litigation, not a class action. Each plaintiff keeps an individual case. The cases are grouped only for efficient pretrial handling before Judge Rodgers.

How many cases are in the Depo-Provera MDL 3140 now?

About 5,830 cases were pending as of July 2026. The number has grown quickly. New cases continue to be filed and transferred into the MDL.

Does a settlement mean I automatically get paid?

No. The agreement is still in principle, and terms are not final. Only plaintiffs who meet the eligibility rules may take part. A licensed attorney can review whether you may qualify.

Check If You May Qualify

Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.

Official Sources & Resources

For verified mass tort and MDL information:

• JPML: jpml.uscourts.gov — official MDL statistics and transfer orders
• DOJ: justice.gov — settlement announcements and press releases
• FDA: fda.gov — drug recalls, warning letters, and safety alerts
• CDC: cdc.gov — health condition data and exposure guidelines
• EPA: epa.gov — environmental contamination data
• Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu — plain-English legal definitions

Content last reviewed July 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.

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• Pennsylvania Tort Reform Guide
• Illinois Tort Reform Guide

Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.