The introduction of birth control has given plenty of women control over their health and bodies. Despite this advantage, birth control has proven time and time again its hidden dangers.
Throughout its history, legal battles have surrounded various types of birth control for lack of transparency when it comes to the risks that come with taking it.
Today, Depo-Provera is put in the spotlight for its risk of development meningiomas - tumors that grow in the brain and on the spinal cord. Birth controls before Depo-Provera tell a similar story that raises concern regarding the safety of medications marketed to women.
Depo-Provera is Pfizer's contraceptive injectable that has been marketed for its convenience and effectiveness as a birth control alternative. However, many are now challenging its safety, with studies in 2024 revealing how long-term use of Depo-Provera can increase the risk of developing meningiomas (brain and spinal cord tumors).
In April 2024, Pfizer admitted knowing about the connection between progesterone and meningiomas yet failed to disclose this information on Depo-Provera's warning label. With this, the controversial contraceptive is facing a rapid increase in lawsuits in 2024.
The Depo-Provera lawsuits are part of the pattern of harm and accountability in birth control litigation. It only makes sense to implement stricter regulatory oversight for products, clearer communication regarding the benefits and risks involved, and increased accountability for manufacturers.
Depo-Provera is not the first to face legal battles for its untold side effects. Over the years, several other birth control products have done their harm to women worldwide. The history of birth control litigation comes down to these repeated key points: harm, negligence, and lack of accountability. See the timeline of birth control lawsuits:
The Dalkon Shield intrauterine device (IUD) was introduced to women as a long-term contraceptive option. But just a year later, in 1971, women reported infections, miscarriages, and even death related to its use. The fatal flaw of their device was its design, which gave way for bacteria to enter the uterus.
The Dalkon Shield case is one of history's largest mass tort cases. The civil lawsuit, which lasted decades, resulted in the bankruptcy of the manufacturer, A.H. Robins Company.
The use of this 1990s birth control device has led to depression, migraines, and scarring from insertion. Over 36,000 women received a settlement in 1999 for claims against Norplant IUD.
The use of these contraceptive vaginal rings causes an increased risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. The manufacturer, Merck, paid over $100 million in settlement in 2014.
Both products received similar reports of device migration leading to pregnancy. Nexplanon lawsuits also include improper placement that caused deep tissue injuries.
Users of this device reported breakage during removal. This has led to emergency surgeries and organ damage. Paragard IUD is still available in the market and is still going through legal battles.
Research links increased risks of meningioma with long-term use of Depo-Provera caused public uproar. Today, Depo-Provera faces lawsuits due to their lack of transparency on the product's warning labels.
Each birth control-related case reveals the systematic issues of the pharmaceutical industry. It's clear that manufacturers are at fault when it comes to evaluating the safety of their products. Several companies also downplay the risks associated with their birth control devices and pills - ultimately only focusing on its benefits.
We can't hide the fact that birth control has made an impact on the lives of women. The effect is both good and bad. Learning from past lawsuits, we can gather that reproductive freedom should also come hand-in-hand with the assurance that the products they use are safe, effective, and honest.
For women affected by Depo-Provera, we encourage you to take legal action by filing a Depo-Provera claim for meningioma with the help of Atraxia Law.