Walgreens is facing a potential boycott from abortion supporters over its decision to comply with laws regarding the distribution of a pill used to induce abortion.
The pharmacy chain announced that it would not distribute abortion pills in a number of states. This would mean that for states with restrictions on abortion and several in which it is legal, access to such treatment would be restricted.
Walgreens received a letter from the attorneys general of 20 states about the distribution of drugs such as mifepristone, which is often known as an abortion pill.
Walgreens Faces Boycott Calls After Saying It Won't Ship Abortion Drug to Some States Where It's Legalhttps://t.co/loqxVE1Obz
— TIME Health (@TIMEHealth) March 3, 2023
The attorneys general wrote to the pharmacy giant that “when abortion drugs are mailed or consumed outside a regulated medical facility, the risk of coercion is much higher— indeed, guaranteed— because there is no oversight.”
Walgreens decided not to distribute such abortion pills at any of its locations. In addition, the company is seeking permission to distribute such drugs in certain states.
The decision of the pharmacy chain led to a flurry of dissent on Twitter. Many left-wing accounts posted #BoycottWalgreens.
Abortion pills represent the cause of more than half of abortions in the United States. In the aftermath of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, the distribution of the pill tightened due to a myriad of state laws regarding abortion.
Walgreens’ decision to comply with state law is just the latest touchstone of changes after the Dobbs decision in 2022.
While the decision of one pharmacy chain to halt the sale of such abortion pills may lead to boycott threats, an upcoming court case may prove even more vital to efforts to reduce abortions.
A Texas lawsuit is seeking further restrictions on the distribution of mifepristone nationwide. The case is being heard by a judge appointed by former President Donald Trump. The decision would restrict the distribution of abortion pills nationwide.
If there is a decision to strike down the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provisions regarding such abortion pills, it will likely be appealed. The fight over the distribution of such pills may be the next major decision regarding abortion made by the Supreme Court.
