Chicago, Illinois – Walgreens and CVS are gearing up to offer the abortion pill mifepristone in states where it is legally permitted, signaling a significant expansion in access to this medication. Both pharmacy giants have completed the necessary certification processes and are set to begin distributing mifepristone as early as next week.
Walgreens announced that it is in the final stages of preparing to sell mifepristone after completing the FDA’s certification requirements. The company emphasized a phased rollout in select locations to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and privacy for patients, providers, and staff.
Similarly, CVS stated that it is actively working with manufacturers and suppliers to secure the medication and anticipates filling prescriptions for mifepristone in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the coming weeks. The pharmacy chain plans to expand availability to additional states on a rolling basis, complying with state laws.
The decision by Walgreens and CVS, two leading pharmacy networks in the United States, is expected to enhance the availability of mifepristone, a drug that has been the subject of legal disputes regarding FDA approval. Currently, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on the regulatory status of mifepristone.
President Biden weighed in on the matter, expressing support for pharmacies that choose to offer medication abortion services through certification. He highlighted the importance of providing women with the option to access their prescriptions at local certified pharmacies, promoting convenience and access to essential healthcare services.
The FDA recently adjusted its risk protocol for mifepristone, allowing for certified pharmacies to dispense the medication to patients with a valid prescription as long as they adhere to the agency’s requirements. This move is seen as a step towards expanding access to safe and regulated abortion care.
Both Walgreens and CVS have faced scrutiny and pressure from various interest groups regarding their stance on abortion. Walgreens previously faced backlash for refusing to dispense abortion pills in certain states, while also encountering protests from anti-abortion activists over providing access to the medication.
Mifepristone, used in combination with another drug, is a key component in over half of all abortions in the United States. The FDA initially approved the drug over two decades ago, with subsequent regulatory adjustments to streamline access for patients seeking medical termination of pregnancy.
An ongoing legal battle over access to mifepristone has raised concerns about potential constraints on medication availability. The Biden administration and the drug’s manufacturer have urged the Supreme Court to overturn a recent appellate court ruling that could limit access. The case is scheduled for oral arguments later this month.
Walgreens confirmed plans to distribute mifepristone in select locations across several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. To prioritize safety and confidentiality, the company refrained from disclosing specific pharmacy locations offering the medication.