House Democrats are calling on five major pharmacy chains to provide mifepristone in states where it is still legal, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld the drug's current accessibility.
In letters to Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Costco and Healthmart, a group of more than 50 Democrats in the House of Representatives — led by Reps. Judy Chu (Calif.) and Dan Goldman (N.Y.) — urged the pharmacies to become certified dispensers of mifepristone.
“We are disappointed that you have not publicly pursued certification over the past year,” the Democrats wrote. “We strongly urge you to consider policies that facilitate access to essential and time-sensitive reproductive health care services, including medication abortion, that are clear to your consumers and your pharmacy staff.”
In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration instituted a process that would require pharmacies to be certified to dispense mifepristone to patients with a valid prescription. This is the first two-drug process used in medication abortions.
Goldman and Chu say they contacted the same five pharmacies in June 2023 to offer mifepristone, but the companies have not said whether they plan to seek certification.
Following last month's Supreme Court ruling upholding current access to mifepristone, Democrats urged pharmacies to reconsider.
“This lack of action to certify is inconsistent with your publicly stated values of supporting equal access to health care and supporting gender equality,” they wrote. “In light of increasing attacks on bodily autonomy and people’s freedom to make their own health care decisions, we believe your companies have a social responsibility to consumers and communities to urgently address this issue.”
Legislators expect responses from pharmacies before July 12.
Walgreens and CVS are the only two major pharmacies that have publicly requested certification. The companies began selling mifepristone in March in states where it is still legal.
Walgreens in particular has faced criticism from both sides of the abortion argument spectrum. The company angered Democrats and abortion rights advocates when it refused to provide abortion pills in 21 states, including four where abortion was still legal.
The company also faced attacks and threats from Republican attorneys general and anti-abortion groups for selling mifepristone in the first place.
