(TargetLiberty.org) – Following a Supreme Court ruling that maintained the availability of mifepristone, over fifty House Democrats have urged major pharmacy chains to commit to distributing the drug in regions where it is still legally permitted. Through communications addressed to Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Costco, and Health Mart, spearheaded by Representatives Judy Chu (California) and Dan Goldman (New York), these lawmakers are advocating for these companies to become certified to dispense mifepristone.
The letters express disappointment in these corporations for not seeking certification over the previous year and call on them to adopt policies that ensure access to vital reproductive healthcare services, including medication abortions. The request aligns with the Food and Drug Administration’s 2023 guidelines, which for the first time allowed retail pharmacies to become certified to distribute mifepristone to individuals holding valid prescriptions.
Despite initial outreach to these pharmacies in June 2023, there was no clear response on their certification intentions. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold access to the drug, these Democrats have reiterated their call for action, emphasizing that failing to pursue certification contradicts the pharmacies’ professed commitment to equitable healthcare and gender equality. They emphasized the importance of these companies fulfilling a social obligation to both consumers and communities by addressing this matter promptly.
The correspondence seeks replies from these pharmacy chains by July 12. Notably, Walgreens and CVS are the only large retail pharmacies that have actively pursued this certification, starting to offer mifepristone in March in states where it is still legal. Walgreens, however, has faced criticism from various quarters. The company has drawn ire from both abortion rights supporters, for not providing the medication in 21 states—including four where it remains legal—and from anti-abortion factions and Republican attorneys general for its decision to offer the drug at all.
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