Womens' organizations have expressed concerns about the use of Depo-Provera as a tool for social control. Studies suggest that it has been used mostly on women of minorities, sometimes without consent and even against the woman's will. Its use in developing countries as a tool for population control has been under criticism. Governments have been requested by advocacy groups to ensure that it is used only with the written consent of the individual. A likely effect on women of regular injections of Depo-Provera is diminished menstrual flow.
Studies show that within five years of use, there is no menstrual flow.
The drug is believed to have been used for many years on women with intellectual disabilities in provincial facilities in Ontario. Although not acknowledged by the Ministry as being used for other than therapeutic purposes, its use appears to have been primarily for the purpose of easing staff responsibilities in the management of personal care for women with severe disabilities. Weight gain, increased appetite and sore breasts are common effects. Women wishing to become pregnant find that it takes 6-8 months to clear the body of the drug. Of great concern is growing evidence of decreased bone density with regular use of the drug.