Depo-Provera Litigation Update: What the Latest MDL Developments Mean for Current and Future Claimants

The Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation (MDL) has reached another significant milestone, bringing greater clarity for thousands of women who developed meningiomas after prolonged use of the injectable contraceptive. While many questions remain, the latest case management conference confirms that the litigation is moving steadily toward resolution for a substantial portion of pending claims.

Master Settlement Agreement Signed

Earlier this summer, plaintiffs' leadership announced that an agreement had been reached in principle to resolve a majority of the cases pending in the federal MDL and coordinated New York state litigation. Since then, the parties have executed a formal Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), which was signed on July 21, 2026.

Although the specific terms of the agreement remain confidential, plaintiffs' leadership and defense counsel estimate that approximately 80% of all plaintiffs currently participating in the MDL will be eligible to participate in the settlement program.

Because this is an MDL—not a class action—the settlement will not require court approval through a fairness hearing. Instead, eligible claimants will have the opportunity to decide individually whether to participate in the settlement. 

The Litigation Continues for Other Cases

Despite the settlement announcement, new lawsuits continue to be filed, although at a much slower pace. As of July 27, 2026, the MDL includes 6,289 filed actions, demonstrating that individuals continue to come forward with potential claims.

For plaintiffs who are not eligible under the Master Settlement Agreement—or who choose not to participate—the litigation will continue.

The court confirmed that several important legal issues remain pending, including rulings on general causation and preemption. Those issues have already been fully briefed, with a hearing currently scheduled for September 18, 2026.

Importantly, the court indicated that any future rulings on these legal issues will not affect plaintiffs who qualify for and elect to participate in the settlement.

Pilot Trials Canceled

Following the settlement announcement, the court vacated the scheduling order for the previously selected pilot cases and canceled the December 2026 bellwether trial.

Because the plaintiffs selected for those pilot cases are expected to qualify under the settlement agreement, there is no longer a need to proceed with those trials while the settlement process moves forward.

What Happens Next?

According to the parties, several important milestones are expected over the coming months:

• BrownGreer is expected to be appointed as Settlement Administrator.
• Settlement registration is anticipated to begin in November 2026.
• The formal claims review process is expected to follow shortly thereafter.
• Initial settlement payments are currently projected to begin during the first quarter of 2027.

The parties have also proposed creating a no-filing-fee administrative docket to help streamline claim processing while eligibility determinations are being completed. 

What This Means for Current Clients

For individuals who have already filed claims, the latest developments are encouraging. The litigation has moved beyond settlement discussions and into implementation, with the framework now established for processing eligible claims.

Current clients should continue preserving medical records and responding promptly to any requests from their attorneys as additional settlement information becomes available. 

Eligibility requirements remain governed by the confidential Master Settlement Agreement, and clients will receive additional information as the registration and claims process begins later this year. 

McGonigle Law Continues to Represent Depo-Provera Clients

McGonigle Law remains actively involved in representing clients in the Depo-Provera litigation and continues to closely monitor every development in the MDL.

As additional information becomes available regarding eligibility requirements, registration procedures, settlement administration, and payment timelines, we will continue providing updates to our clients and readers.

If you or someone you love used Depo-Provera for an extended period and was later diagnosed with a meningioma or another qualifying brain tumor, you may still have legal rights.