Statement from URGE on CVS and Walgreens Beginning to Sell Mifepristone in Several States This Month

Today, URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity released the following statement after CVS and Walgreens announced that they will begin to sell Mifepristone in states where it is legally allowed, starting as soon as next week. While Mifepristone remains in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, this move will expand its availability and allow people to more easily and safely self-manage an abortion. Medication abortion is the most common method of abortion in the United States and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use up to 10 weeks into pregnancy.

In response, Hope Jackson, Deputy Director of Programs and Policy at URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, said:

“URGE applauds CVS and Walgreens for taking this necessary step at this critical moment for abortion access.

“Mifepristone is a safe, effective, FDA-approved medication that has been used by over 5 million people and has a higher safety record than Tylenol. Expanding access to Mifepristone via pharmacies will help reduce the barriers to access and potentially lower costs, allowing Americans to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures, and put them in control of their own health care decisions.

“People should be able to receive medication abortion care in the way that makes the most sense for them, whether that is at a health center, their local pharmacy, or delivered to their home, and without facing restrictions that force them to delay care, carry a pregnancy against their will, or risk criminalization. If the Supreme Court decides to take Mifepristone off the shelves this June, it will disproportionately harm BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ and young people, and people trying to make ends meet, and we must ensure that these communities have the resources they need.”

“We will continue to fight to make Mifepristone available nationwide and protect reproductive freedom for all.”

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