August 24, 2025
PENSACOLA, FL – U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers of the Northern District of Florida has issued a stern directive to attorneys involved in litigation over the contraceptive drug Depo-Provera, pressing them to address a backlog of approximately 9,500 unfiled lawsuits. During a status conference on August 22, 2025, Judge Rodgers emphasized the urgency, stating, “Get busy with that,” as the number of filed cases currently stands at 932, with thousands more pending.
Background of the Depo-Provera Litigation
The lawsuits center on allegations that Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive manufactured by Pfizer, is linked to serious health risks, including an increased risk of meningiomas (brain tumors) and other side effects. The litigation has gained significant attention, with claims potentially totaling $1 billion across multiple jurisdictions, as noted in posts on X. The cases have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida to streamline pretrial proceedings.
As of the latest hearing, 932 lawsuits have been formally filed, but an additional 9,571 cases remain unfiled, creating a significant bottleneck. These unfiled claims, often referred to as “inventory cases,” are held by plaintiffs’ attorneys who have yet to submit formal complaints, a common practice in large-scale MDLs but one that can delay justice for claimants.
Judge Rodgers’ Directive
Judge Rodgers, known for her no-nonsense approach to case management, expressed frustration at the slow pace of filings. “We need to move these cases forward,” she reportedly told attorneys, urging them to prioritize submitting the remaining claims to advance the litigation. Her remarks underscore the court’s goal of ensuring timely resolution for thousands of plaintiffs, many of whom allege severe health impacts from the drug.
The judge’s call to action comes as the MDL is still in its early stages, with discovery and bellwether trial planning underway. The court has set a preliminary schedule for selecting bellwether cases—representative lawsuits that will be tried first to gauge the strength of claims and potentially guide settlements.
Challenges and Criticisms
The sheer volume of unfiled cases poses logistical challenges for both the court and attorneys. Plaintiffs’ counsel argue that preparing thousands of claims requires extensive medical record reviews and client consultations, which can be time-consuming. However, delays in filing can frustrate the judicial process and prolong uncertainty for plaintiffs awaiting compensation.
On X, some users have criticized the pharmaceutical industry’s handling of Depo-Provera, pointing to the lawsuits as evidence of inadequate safety warnings. One post noted, “The Nigerian white coat olodos… have no idea that [Depo-Provera] is currently facing about $1 billion worth of class action lawsuits in different countries.” While such sentiments reflect public frustration, they also highlight the need for careful fact-checking, as X posts are not conclusive evidence.
Broader Implications
The Depo-Provera litigation is part of a broader wave of pharmaceutical lawsuits scrutinizing the safety of widely used medications. The outcome of this MDL could have significant financial and regulatory implications for Pfizer and the contraceptive industry. Legal experts suggest that the resolution of these cases, whether through settlements or trials, could set precedents for how similar mass torts are handled.
For now, Judge Rodgers’ directive puts pressure on attorneys to accelerate their efforts. The court has scheduled additional status conferences to monitor progress, with the expectation that the backlog of unfiled cases will be addressed promptly. As the litigation unfolds, stakeholders—including plaintiffs, attorneys, and Pfizer—face a critical juncture in determining the path to resolution.