Major Pharmacy Chains Walgreens and CVS to Dispense Abortion Pill Mifepristone in Legal States
In a groundbreaking move, major pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS have announced that they will begin dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone in states where it is legally allowed. This decision is expected to significantly expand the availability of the drug, which has been at the center of a legal battle over its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The news was first reported by the New York Times.
Walgreens has completed the FDA’s certification process to sell mifepristone and plans to start offering it within a week. The company stated that it will roll out the medication in select locations to ensure quality, safety, and privacy for patients, providers, and team members. On the other hand, CVS is currently working with manufacturers and suppliers to secure the medication and will begin filling prescriptions for mifepristone in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the coming weeks. They also plan to expand to other states where it is allowed by law.
This move by two of the largest pharmacy networks in the country is a significant step towards providing women with easier access to medication abortion. President Biden expressed his support for this development, stating, “With major retail pharmacy chains newly certified to dispense medication abortion, many women will soon have the option to pick up their prescription at a local, certified pharmacy—just as they would for any other medication.”
The FDA modified its risk protocol for mifepristone in January 2023, allowing certified pharmacies to dispense the drug to patients with a prescription as long as they comply with the agency’s requirements. This change in protocol paved the way for pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS to offer mifepristone to women seeking abortion care.
It is worth noting that Walgreens has faced pressure from both sides of the abortion debate. Last year, the company faced backlash from supporters of abortion rights when it announced that it would not dispense abortion pills in 21 states, including four states where abortion is still legal. Conversely, anti-abortion demonstrators protested against Walgreens for selling abortion pills at all.
Mifepristone is a medication that works by blocking a hormone necessary for pregnancy development. It is used in combination with another drug in over half of all abortions in the United States. Initially approved by the FDA over 20 years ago, regulations for obtaining mifepristone have been loosened over time.
However, an appellate court ruling has made it more challenging for individuals to access the medication. The Biden administration, along with the manufacturer of mifepristone, is urging the Supreme Court to overturn this ruling. The case is scheduled for oral arguments later this month.
Walgreens has revealed that it will start dispensing mifepristone in specific locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. To prioritize the safety of pharmacists and patients, the company has chosen not to disclose which pharmacies will carry the drug.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The decision by Walgreens and CVS to offer mifepristone marks a significant milestone in reproductive healthcare, providing women with increased access to safe and legal abortion care.
