Pro-life group calls the abortion pill rollout ‘shameful’
The two largest pharmaceutical chains in the United States are set to start selling the abortion pill mifepristone this month. This comes just ahead of the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing on the drug’s approval, which the Biden administration is supporting.
CVS and Walgreens have both completed the certification process required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dispense mifepristone. They confirmed this separately to US Newzs Digital. The pill will not be available for mail delivery, and both companies will adhere to the FDA’s guidelines issued last year. These guidelines will be under scrutiny in the upcoming Supreme Court case on March 26.
Walgreens stated that it anticipates beginning dispensation within a week in select pharmacies located in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois.
CVS informed US Newzs Digital that it will commence filling prescriptions for the pill in Massachusetts and Rhode Island “in the weeks ahead.” Additionally, CVS plans to expand its availability to more states “where allowed by law, on a rolling basis.”
In response to this rollout, the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America (SBA) labeled it as “shameful” in a statement provided to US Newzs Digital.
Katie Daniel, the state policy director of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America (SBA), criticized CVS and Walgreens for their decision to sell abortion drugs, labeling it as “shameful” given their status as two of the world’s largest and most trusted health brands. Daniel emphasized the potential harm to unborn babies and their mothers, calling it “incalculable.”
She pointed out that even with strong safeguards in place, abortion drugs result in roughly one in 25 women ending up in the emergency room, according to the FDA’s own label. Daniel also criticized the FDA for allegedly rolling back basic safety standards, such as requiring in-person doctor visits, particularly under Democratic administrations. She expressed concern over the FDA allowing these drugs to be distributed through the mail.
Daniel highlighted that in a few weeks, the Supreme Court will hear a case brought by doctors who frequently witness the consequences for women and girls experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding, infections, and other serious complications that lead them to seek emergency medical care.
On Friday, President Biden referred to the announcement as an “important milestone.” He emphasized the significance of major retail pharmacy chains now being certified to dispense medication abortion. Biden highlighted that this development will provide many women with the option to conveniently pick up their prescriptions at a local, certified pharmacy, similar to any other medication. He encouraged all pharmacies interested in offering this option to pursue certification.
In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade through its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The court determined that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion and instead left the matter to be decided by individual states. As a result, 14 states have implemented bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with certain exceptions. Additionally, two other states have enacted laws prohibiting abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically occurring around six weeks of gestation.
The Biden administration and the manufacturer of the drug mifepristone are urging the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that would restrict access to the drug through mail and impose additional limitations, even in states where abortion remains legal. These restrictions include reducing the time frame for using mifepristone in pregnancy from the current 10 weeks to seven weeks. Meanwhile, the nine justices declined a separate appeal from abortion opponents who contested the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone as safe and effective in 2000.
Mifepristone, produced by New York-based Danco Laboratories, is one of two drugs utilized in medication abortions, which constitute more than half of all abortions in the U.S. According to The Associated Press, over 5 million individuals have used it since 2000. The second drug is misoprostol, although some healthcare providers argue it is less effective in terminating pregnancies.