CVS and Walgreens begin selling abortion pills

CVS Inc. and Walgreens, two of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, recently made headlines by announcing their decision to sell abortion pills in-store. This marks a significant shift in the accessibility of reproductive health care services, but also raises questions of its legality and effects throughout the retail industry.

The decision by CVS and Walgreens to offer abortion pills, specifically mifepristone, is an effort to expand access to reproductive health care as more women start relying on these pills which are used to terminate pregnancies in the early stages.

“Women are increasingly turning to the abortion pill, rather than surgery, to end unwanted pregnancies,” according to CBS News. “In 2020, medication abortions accounted for more than half of all abortions in the U.S.”

By making abortion pills available in-store, these pharmacies are aiming to provide women with more convenient and discreet access to these essential medications.

However, the legality of selling abortion pills in pharmacies varies across the United States. While some states have laws explicitly permitting the sale of these medications in pharmacies, others have restrictions or requirements that may limit access.

For now, these abortion pills will be available in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California and Illinois with a required prescription.