Walgreens comes under fire over abortion pill controversy

Walgreens, a major pharmacy in the United States, has come under scrutiny for not selling an abortion pill (mifepristone) in states that allow medical abortions such as Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Montana and Alaska. In January 2023, the Food and Drug Administration expanded access of abortion medication through major pharmacies in the U.S. The previous system to obtain abortion medication was not as robust and had to be done through mail order pharmacies or by a specific doctor or clinic. Through a certification process pharmacies could obtain access to this medication and provide more women the access to medicated abortions.

According to the New York Times, Republican attorneys threatened legal action against pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS that try to sell these abortion pills. Abortion advocates have taken to social media to promote a national boycott of Walgreens for not distributing the abortion pill. 

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has not renewed a multi-million dollar contract with Walgreens following their decision to not distribute abortion pills in 21 states. Newsom has called for a review of all contracts between California and Walgreeens. 

“California will not stand by as corporations cave to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom. California is on track to be the fourth largest economy in the world and we will leverage our market power to defend the right to choose,” said Governor Newsom.