On Friday, CVS and Walgreens announced their imminent commencement of dispensing mifepristone, one of the key drugs utilized in medication-induced abortions, within states permitting abortion.
Both prominent pharmacy chains confirmed that they have obtained certification to distribute mifepristone, a result of a regulation alteration finalized by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2023.
Abortion Pill Accessibility Boosted by FDA Decision
This decision by the FDA expanded the accessibility of abortion pills, permitting pharmacies to provide them to patients either in person or via mail, although neither CVS or Walgreens currently dispatch the medication through mail services.
Previously, patients were mandated to collect the medication in person from a clinic, medical facility, or hospital.
Mifepristone constitutes the initial of the two pills used in medication-induced abortions, with misoprostol serving as the second.
Pharmacies Meet Requirements for Mifepristone Sales
Despite this FDA policy revision, pharmacies are still required to satisfy specific criteria and fulfill a series of formalities to attain certification for the sale of mifepristone—steps that both CVS and Walgreens have successfully completed.
Walgreens disclosed its intention to commence dispensing mifepristone tablets within a week, adhering to state regulations, initially in limited locations across California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania.
CVS and Walgreens have specified that mifepristone will exclusively be dispensed at their brick-and-mortar pharmacy outlets.
However, Walgreens has indicated that home delivery through a courier service will be an option for customers at specific locations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Pharmacies situated in states where abortion is prohibited will refrain from selling mifepristone.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, an advocacy and research organization promoting abortion access, medication abortion accounted for more than half of all abortions in the United States in 2020.