Depo-Provera time for change

Standing with women. Seeking answers. Driving change.

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Standing with women. Seeking answers. Driving change.

Every woman deserves to understand the potential risks of her contraception. Every woman deserves to make informed choices about her health. And when serious safety concerns emerge, every woman deserves answers.

Fletchers Solicitors is leading a campaign to raise awareness of the potential risk of meningioma associated with Depo-Provera and Sayana Press, give affected women a voice and call for greater scrutiny of how this risk was identified, monitored and communicated.

Together, we’re working towards clearer information, stronger patient safety measures and greater accountability.

Standing with women affected

130+ women represented by Fletchers Solicitors
250+ women have approached specialist law firms across England, Wales and Scotland
Calling for change in patient safety, informed consent and regulatory scrutiny

Every woman deserves to make an informed choice

For many women, contraception is an important part of managing their health and making decisions about their future.

Those decisions depend on having clear, accurate information about the benefits and potential risks of the treatment they receive.

But research published in 2024 identified an association between prolonged use of injectable contraceptives containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), including Depo-Provera and Sayana Press, and an increased risk of intracranial meningioma requiring surgery.

A meningioma is a type of tumour that develops in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although the absolute risk associated with these contraceptives is considered low, meningiomas can cause serious neurological, cognitive and visual effects.

In October 2024, Pfizer, in agreement with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), updated safety information concerning the risk of meningioma and measures intended to minimise it.

Both contraceptives remain available and continue to be prescribed.

The updated information is an important step. However, questions remain about whether women currently using these contraceptives are sufficiently informed and whether those who used them in the past received adequate warnings.

We believe women deserve clear information, the opportunity to make informed choices and answers to questions about their safety.

This is why we’re campaigning for change.

A word from the team

“We continue to hear from women across the UK who say they were never made aware of the reported association before receiving the contraceptive injection.”

Sarah Samuel

Partner

Find out if you have a claim.

Depo-Provera contraceptive injection compensation

Why we're calling for action

The concerns surrounding Depo-Provera and Sayana Press extend beyond individual legal cases.

More than 250 women across England, Wales and Scotland have approached specialist law firms following concerns about meningioma and their use of these contraceptives.

Fletchers Solicitors represents more than 130 affected women, some of whom have experienced surgery, radiotherapy, sight loss and ongoing neurological effects.

These experiences raise important questions about how potential risks are identified, how safety information reaches patients and whether appropriate action was taken when concerns emerged.

Our campaign is focused on three priorities.

Better information and informed choice

Women should have clear, accessible and balanced information about the potential risks associated with their contraception.

We want to see stronger informed-consent processes, improved awareness among healthcare professionals and clearer conversations that help women make decisions about their care.

Listening to women and recognising their experiences

Behind every medical diagnosis is a person whose life may have changed.

We’re working with affected women to understand their experiences, provide opportunities for their voices to be heard and ensure those experiences help inform discussions about patient safety.

Answers, scrutiny and accountability

We want to establish what was known about the potential risk of meningioma, when it became known and how that information was assessed and communicated.

We’re calling for greater political and regulatory scrutiny, including a review led by the Department of Health and Social Care into the regulation, prescribing and monitoring of these contraceptives.

Our wider ambition is to build support for further formal scrutiny, potentially including a UK-wide public inquiry.

In our client's own words

“I'm not the friend I was, I'm not the daughter I was and I'm not the mum I was. I'm just not me anymore.”

Danielle Watts

Client

Product liability

Why choosing the right legal team matters

The human impact behind the concerns

A diagnosis of meningioma can have serious consequences.

For some women, treatment has involved surgery or radiotherapy. Others have experienced sight loss or ongoing neurological difficulties.

The effects of these conditions can extend beyond medical treatment, creating uncertainty about health, recovery and the future.

For women who have used Depo-Provera or Sayana Press, there may also be difficult questions about the information they received when deciding whether to use these contraceptives.

Could they have been told more about the potential risks? What was known at the time? Were opportunities missed to provide clearer warnings?

These are questions that deserve careful investigation.

We’re committed to listening to affected women and ensuring their experiences are heard by those who have the power to improve patient safety.

Real women. Real experiences. A shared call for answers.

Elizabeth’s story

Elizabeth had been experiencing debilitating fatigue, severe headaches and memory problems for several years before scans revealed two brain tumours. She says her concerns were repeatedly attributed to her existing depression, despite insisting that something felt different.

After changing GP, Elizabeth was referred for scans when she raised concerns about a lump on her head. Further investigations revealed two tumours, one growing into her skull and another pushing against an artery in her brain. She is now awaiting surgery to remove them.

Her diagnosis has had a significant impact on her life. Elizabeth has developed seizures and can no longer drive or work. She says the changes have also affected her relationships with her two children, friends and wider family.

Elizabeth had been using the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection for around nine years. She later became aware of research discussing a potential link between the injection and meningiomas through online support groups.

Now supported by Fletchers, Elizabeth is sharing her experience to raise awareness and encourage other women to speak up if they’re concerned about symptoms or their use of Depo-Provera.

Contact your local MP

Depo-Provera and Sayana Press: Meeting with your MP to discuss safety risks

In Linda's own words

“I wish there was a lot more awareness about the potential links between Depo-Provera and meningioma.”

Linda Dutton

Client

What needs to change?

Updating safety warnings is important, but women also need to understand what those warnings mean for their health.

Our campaign seeks to strengthen the way potential risks are communicated, improve awareness among healthcare professionals and establish whether the response to the emerging evidence was adequate.

Clearer information for women

Women currently using or considering Depo-Provera or Sayana Press should have access to understandable information about the potential risks and the options available to them.

We want women to feel able to ask questions and make informed decisions with their healthcare professionals.

Stronger processes

Patients should have a good understanding of the relevant benefits and risks before agreeing to treatment.

We’re calling for greater scrutiny of how information about these contraceptives is communicated during prescribing consultations, so women can make decisions with a clear understanding of the potential risks.

Better professional awareness and patient support

Healthcare professionals need access to current safety information and clear guidance to support conversations with patients.

We also want consideration of appropriate assessment and support for women who may have been affected.

Greater scrutiny of historic safety monitoring

Important questions remain about how the potential risk was identified, monitored and communicated.

We want to understand what information was available, how it was assessed and whether opportunities to act earlier were missed.

A formal review into regulation and prescribing

We’re calling for a Department of Health and Social Care-led review into the regulation, prescribing and monitoring of Depo-Provera and Sayana Press.

We also want to build the evidence and political support needed for further scrutiny, including consideration of a UK-wide public inquiry.

Our aim is not to cause unnecessary alarm. It’s to help ensure women are informed, their concerns are taken seriously and lessons are learned to better protect patients.

Standing with women. Driving change.

Fletchers Solicitors is leading this campaign because we believe the questions surrounding Depo-Provera and Sayana Press deserve proper attention.

As specialist solicitors representing more than 130 women affected by meningioma following use of these contraceptives, we’ve seen the importance of listening to individual experiences and seeking answers.

But this campaign is about more than the legal cases we’re pursuing.

It’s about ensuring women are heard, encouraging informed conversations about contraception and examining whether the systems intended to protect patients responded appropriately to emerging concerns.

We’re working to bring together affected women’s experiences, developing medical and regulatory evidence, legal expertise and political engagement to press for meaningful change.

The right informed consent

“Anyone considering any medical treatment should be given sufficient information about the known risks and benefits so they can make an informed decision about their care.”

Sarah Samuel

Partner

How we’re taking action

Giving women a voice

We’re supporting women who wish to share their experiences, helping bring their concerns into public and political discussions.

Participation is always voluntary and managed sensitively, with respect for each woman’s circumstances and wishes.

Raising public awareness

We’re working with the media to increase responsible awareness of the potential risk, explain the concerns and help women understand where to seek appropriate advice.

Engaging with MPs and policymakers

We’re seeking cross-party engagement, encouraging parliamentary scrutiny and working to ensure affected women’s experiences are considered in discussions about patient safety.

Building wider support

We’re working with Thompsons Scotland and seeking engagement with charities, healthcare bodies and patient safety organisations around shared objectives.

Pressing for accountability

We’re calling for closer examination of how the potential risk was identified, monitored and communicated, and for a formal review into the regulation and prescribing of these contraceptives.

What is informed consent?

Learn more

What we know about Depo-Provera, Sayana Press and meningioma

What are Depo-Provera and Sayana Press?

Depo-Provera and Sayana Press are injectable contraceptives containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).

Both remain available for use and continue to be prescribed.

What has the research identified?

Research published in 2024 identified an association between prolonged use of injectable MPA contraceptives and an increased risk of intracranial meningioma requiring surgery.

The absolute risk is considered low, but meningiomas can have serious health consequences.

An association does not mean that every meningioma diagnosed in someone who used these contraceptives was caused by their use.

What is a meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumour that develops in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Depending on its location and effects, a meningioma can cause neurological, cognitive or visual difficulties.

Some women affected by meningioma following use of Depo-Provera or Sayana Press have reported serious consequences, including surgery, radiotherapy, sight loss and ongoing neurological effects.

Have the safety warnings changed?

Yes. In October 2024, Pfizer, in agreement with the MHRA, issued updated safety information concerning the risk of meningioma and measures intended to minimise it.

However, questions remain about how effectively that information is communicated and whether women who used these contraceptives historically received adequate warnings.

Should I stop using Depo-Provera or Sayana Press?

If you’re currently using either contraceptive and are concerned about the potential risk, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

They can discuss the updated safety information, your individual circumstances and your contraceptive options.

Do not stop or change your contraception without first seeking appropriate medical advice.

In a client's own words

“I just wish I had known more about the potential risks. If I had known there could be a link, I could have made a more informed decision about taking it.”

Sarah Beat

Client

Meeting with your local MP

Depo-Provera and Sayana Press: Meeting with your MP to discuss safety risks

Your experience matters

If you’ve used Depo-Provera or Sayana Press and have been diagnosed with a meningioma, you may have questions about what happened and what it means for you.

You may want to understand the developing evidence, find out whether your circumstances raise concerns about the information you received or explore whether legal action could be appropriate.

Our specialist solicitors are here to listen.

We represent women affected by meningioma following use of these contraceptives and understand that each person’s circumstances are different.

We’ll take the time to understand your experience, explain the relevant legal considerations and help you understand your options.

You don’t need to know whether you have a legal claim before speaking to us.

How we can help

Our specialists can:

Listen to your experience and understand your concerns
Explain the developing legal position in clear, straightforward language
Consider the circumstances of your contraceptive use and diagnosis
Explain whether further investigation of a potential claim may be appropriate
Guide you through your options and the possible next steps

We’re here to help you understand where you stand, without making assumptions about what happened or what the evidence may establish.

Speak to our specialist team

Help us strengthen the call for change

Meaningful improvements in patient safety require women to be heard and those responsible for healthcare policy and regulation to consider the evidence.

Whether you’ve been directly affected, are concerned about the information available to women or want to support improvements in patient safety, there are ways to engage with the campaign.

If you’ve been affected

Your experience could help others understand the human impact of the concerns surrounding Depo-Provera and Sayana Press.

Where appropriate, we’re supporting women who want to share their experiences through media interviews, personal stories or engagement with their MP.

We’ll explain what participation could involve and respect your decision about whether and how you wish to take part.

If you’re currently using either contraceptive

Make sure you have the information you need to discuss your options with a healthcare professional.

If you’re worried about the potential risk, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional rather than making changes to your contraception without advice.

If you’re an MP or policymaker

We’re seeking political engagement to help establish what was known about the potential risk, how the information was communicated and what further scrutiny may be needed.

We welcome opportunities to discuss affected women’s experiences, the available evidence and our call for a Department of Health and Social Care-led review.

If you represent a charity or patient safety organisation

We’re keen to engage with organisations that share our commitment to informed choice, patient safety and appropriate support for affected women.

Working together can help strengthen awareness, support discussion and identify opportunities for constructive change.

Questions women may have

We understand that information about a potential health risk can raise difficult questions, particularly if you’ve previously used one of these contraceptives or experienced serious health problems.

Here are answers to some of the questions surrounding the campaign.

Does using Depo-Provera or Sayana Press mean I will develop a meningioma?

No. The available research identifies an association between prolonged use of injectable MPA contraceptives and an increased risk of meningioma requiring surgery. The absolute risk is considered low.

This does not mean that everyone who uses these contraceptives will develop a meningioma.

If you’re concerned about your individual circumstances, speak to an appropriate healthcare professional.

What if I used Depo-Provera or Sayana Press several years ago?

You may have questions about the potential risk and whether the safety information available at the time was sufficient.

The developing evidence has raised concerns about historic risk communication, which is one of the issues our campaign wants to see examined.

If you’re concerned about your health, seek medical advice. If you’ve been diagnosed with a meningioma and previously used either contraceptive, our specialists can also explain whether your circumstances may warrant legal investigation.

I've been diagnosed with a meningioma. Does that mean my contraception caused it?

Not necessarily.

The research identifies an association, but that does not establish the cause of an individual person’s meningioma.

Understanding whether a particular diagnosis may be linked to contraceptive use requires careful consideration of the medical evidence and individual circumstances.

Our solicitors can explain the developing legal position and whether there may be grounds to investigate a potential claim.

Why is Fletchers calling for a review?

We believe important questions remain about when the potential risk was identified, how it was monitored and whether women received adequate information.

We’re calling for a Department of Health and Social Care-led review into the regulation, prescribing and monitoring of Depo-Provera and Sayana Press.

The aim is to establish the facts, consider whether opportunities to act earlier were missed and identify lessons that could improve patient safety.

Are you calling for these contraceptives to be banned?

The campaign’s current position is focused on informed choice, safety, support and accountability. It is not a call for an outright ban.

We want women to have clear, balanced information about the potential risks so they can make decisions with healthcare professionals based on all the information available.

The campaign’s policy requests will remain under review as further evidence develops.

Can I support the campaign without being involved in legal action?

Yes. The campaign’s objectives extend beyond individual legal claims.

We’re seeking public awareness, political scrutiny and wider engagement with organisations committed to women’s health and patient safety.

You do not need to pursue legal action to support those objectives.

What if I want to share my experience but don't want to be identified publicly?

We understand that speaking about personal health experiences can be difficult.

Any involvement in public-facing campaign activity will be voluntary. We’ll discuss potential opportunities and respect your preferences, including if you do not wish to be publicly identified.

We will not publish an individual account without appropriate approval and consent.

Can I make a legal claim?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a meningioma following use of Depo-Provera or Sayana Press, there may be grounds to investigate your circumstances.

However, the medical and legal evidence is still developing, and eligibility cannot be determined from contraceptive use and diagnosis alone.

Our specialists can listen to your experience, explain what is currently known and discuss whether further investigation may be appropriate.

Can we get help before the case ends?

Yes. If responsibility is accepted, we can often obtain interim payments – early funds released before the final settlement.

These payments can cover urgent needs such as therapies, specialist equipment, home adaptations, respite care, or extra support at school.

Interim payments can make a big difference, allowing families to access the right help without waiting years for the legal process to finish.

What about legal costs?

We know that cost is one of the biggest worries for families thinking about a claim. There are different ways to fund your case, and our initial advice is always free.

Most of our clients use a No Win No Fee agreement. This means:

You only pay legal costs if your claim is successful
If your claim doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay anything
If compensation is awarded, most of the legal costs are paid by the hospital or their insurer

Some families are also covered by Legal Expenses Insurance (sometimes included with home or motor insurance policies). If that applies, we can work with your insurer too.

We’ll explain all the options clearly at the start, so you can decide what works best for your family.

What does compensation cover?

Compensation is about more than money – it’s about security and quality of life. It can provide for:

Therapies, treatment and equipment
Lifelong care and professional support
Educational support for children
Home adaptations or new accommodation
Transport and mobility needs
Financial stability if you’ve had to give up work
Future health needs for mothers

The amount depends on the type and extent of the injury, and what you or your child will need for the future. Our role is to make sure the settlement reflects those needs — so life is not only manageable, but more secure and supported in the years ahead.

Campaign news and developments

Our campaign will continue to develop as further medical, regulatory and legal evidence emerges.

We’re working to raise awareness, engage with MPs and policymakers, support affected women who wish to speak publicly and build wider support for greater patient safety scrutiny.

We’ll share developments as the campaign progresses, including relevant media coverage, political engagement and updates to our calls for action.

Standing with women. Seeking answers. Protecting the future.

Two women embracing outdoors showing supportive hug

Every woman should have the information she needs to make decisions about her health.

When concerns emerge about the safety of a treatment, those concerns deserve careful investigation, clear communication and appropriate action.

For women who have already experienced serious health problems, there must also be opportunities to seek answers, access support and have their experiences heard.

Fletchers Solicitors is committed to leading this campaign, working with affected women, policymakers and other organisations to press for greater scrutiny, stronger informed-consent processes and improvements in patient safety.

Because protecting women means listening to their experiences, learning from the evidence and taking action where change is needed.