“The decision to dispense medication abortion should be made in accordance with each state’s law – not by the will of its elected officials and anti-abortion groups.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) is calling on Walgreens to recognize state laws and proceed with plans to dispense the abortion pill, Mifepristone. After initially indicating it would begin the certification process to dispense the abortion pill, Walgreens announced it would not do so in some states where abortion remains legal. In response, Cortez Masto is calling on the pharmacy to recognize applicable state laws and commit to ensuring Nevadans will be able to access medication abortion through its retail pharmacy locations.
“Walgreens’ move to deny access to these important drugs in states where abortion remains legal further erodes protections of reproductive rights,” Cortez Masto wrote. “The decision to dispense medication abortion should be made in accordance with each state’s law – not by the will of its elected officials and anti-abortion groups.”
“As the neighborhood pharmacy for many Americans, and a critical source of health care for women in communities across this country, I urge you to ensure that patients have access to medication abortion that remains legal in their states,” Cortez Masto continued. “Further, it is imperative for Walgreens to clarify its position on the distribution of medication abortion in communities that have laws protecting and ensuring their ability to use such medication. Specifically, Walgreens should commit to ensuring Nevadans, and those in states like Nevada who have decided to codify protections that include abortion via medication, will have access to medication abortion through your retail pharmacy locations.”
Senator Cortez Masto has been a fierce advocate for women’s reproductive rights. After the Supreme Court decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Senator introduced the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2022, legislation that would ensure legal protections for women traveling across state lines to receive reproductive care. The Senator also joined colleagues in introducing Affordability is Access Act, which would make certain that women across the country have access to affordable over-the-counter birth control. She has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect the data privacy of women seeking reproductive health care.
Cortez Masto’s full letter is HERE and below:
March 3, 2023
Rosalind Brewer
Chief Executive Officer
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
108 Wilmot Road Deerfield,
IL 60015
Ms. Brewer,
I am writing to express serious concern over Walgreens’ recent announcement to not dispense medication abortion, Mifepristone, at retail pharmacies in states where abortion remains legal. In a post-Roe America, women across this country are grappling with a chaotic legal landscape and dramatic shift in state policies that are disrupting patient access to abortion care. While abortion remains legal in Nevada, instability in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion has sowed tremendous confusion from state to state. Walgreens’ move to deny access to these important drugs in states where abortion remains legal further erodes protections of reproductive rights. The decision to dispense medication abortion should be made in accordance with each state’s law – not by the will of its elected officials and anti-abortion groups.
In January, Walgreens announced it would begin the certification process to dispense Mifepristone, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over two decades as a safe and effective medication to end an early pregnancy, in its stores, only to reverse its policy in response to pressure from right-wing politicians. Walgreens should recognize applicable state laws and proceed with plans to dispense Mifepristone at certified retail pharmacy locations in states where medication abortion access is legal regardless of the fearmongering or threat of legal action brought on by elected state officials.
As the neighborhood pharmacy for many Americans, and a critical source of health care for women in communities across this country, I urge you to ensure that patients have access to medication abortion that remains legal in their states. Further, it is imperative for Walgreens to clarify its position on the distribution of medication abortion in communities that have laws protecting and ensuring their ability to use such medication. Specifically, Walgreens should commit to ensuring Nevadans, and those in states like Nevada who have decided to codify abortion protections, will have access to medication abortion through your retail pharmacy locations.
In Nevada, we believe women should be free to make their own health care choices without interference from politicians. Women seek access to reproductive care for all kinds of reasons—reasons that are personal and intimate and sometimes heartbreaking. Walgreens should follow state law instead of following the will of those choosing to create barriers to abortion access. I thank you for your consideration on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Catherine Cortez Masto
United States Senator