Walgreens Won’t Sell Abortion Pills in 20 States

Walgreens confirmed on March 2 that it will not distribute abortion pills in numerous states—including to some states where abortion is legal—after Republican attorneys general (AG) in 21 states told the company that it risked breaking federal law should it do so, Politico first reported.

Walgreens was the 2nd-largest US pharmacy chain after it received a request for information. letter Andrew Bailey, Republican Missouri AG on February 1,

Other than Missouri, attorneys general from 19 other Republican-led states—Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia—also signed the letter.

Kansas AG Kris Kobach sent a personal note letter Five days later, Walgreens was open.

Bailey addressed specifically the opposition of the States to Walgreens’ intention to join the expanding abortion pill by mail practice, which expands access to abortion nationwide.

Walgreens stated to Politico it had responded. “all the officials” Written “assuring them that they will not dispense abortion pills either by mail or at their brick-and-mortar locations in those states,” Even though it only addressed the distribution of pills through mail, the letter still raised concerns.

The following is a description of the product: response letter Walgreens stated to all the States that it was not yet dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone. “in any of its locations.” It still plans to be a “certified pharmacy” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s FDA program and is in fact “working through the certification process.”

“While Walgreens has publicly expressed its intent [to become a certified pharmacy] … the company has made clear that it would do so consistent with all applicable laws and as a result would not be able to dispense Mifepristone in all locations,” Walgreens wrote.

The pharmacy chain continued to state that they will not “dispense Mifepristone within your state” Or “ship Mifepristone into your state from any of our pharmacies.”

These states include several where abortion—both medicine- and procedure-induced—is legal, including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Montana, Politico reported.

Walgreens’ response was praised by pro-life groups

Kristi Hamrick from Students for Life spoke to Politico “This response indicates that pro-life concerns are being heard and that corporations are not rushing to take over the abortion business but are proceeding cautiously.”

Why was the letter written?

Walgreens was one of the largest pharmacies in America, and they announced their plans to open a new location.