The overturning of Roe V. Wade created a huge stir in political media and caused the topic of abortion to become a large part of President Joe Biden’s campaign. The Biden administration announced on March 1 that the pill mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill, will be available at the two biggest pharmacy chains in the nation. CVS and Walgreens will be able to sell the abortion pill at select locations with a prescription.
Mifepristone is one of the few ways to carry out an abortion and the only way to do so at home. Due to laws being unclear in some states regarding abortion, the companies are only able to provide the drug in about half of the states but are looking to expand in the coming years.
“I encourage all pharmacies that want to pursue this option to seek certification,” Biden said.
The abortion pill has been deemed as a safe way to terminate a pregnancy since 2000 by the Food and Drug Administration. Due to its safety, the American Medical Association has allowed those prescribed to be able to take the pill at home.
Currently, CVS and Walgreens are doing phased rollouts of the pill, beginning in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California, with more states to follow in the coming months.
Other states, such as Wyoming, Montana and Kansas, will be monitored regarding the legality of the pill since they have stricter laws on abortion but are also facing a lot of political backlash on the restrictions.
Developments in the abortion process have been made as well to make it easier to receive the prescription of the pill. In many states, only a telehealth visit is required to get the prescription, without the woman having an ultrasound first. As long as the woman already has a relationship with her doctor, all she has to say is she wants to terminate the pregnancy, and a prescription can be written.
A lot of doctors have previously stocked mifepristone themselves, but allowing it to be filled at pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will allow the prescription process to be completed easily.
The decision to receive the abortion pill at retail pharmacies has become a hot topic in the media and among young women nationwide.
“If the pill were to be sold, I believe it should be priced very highly,” said Olivia Gentry, a sophomore mass communication major. “I believe the pill being easily accessible is extremely dangerous.”
The ease of access to the abortion pill is one of the disagreeable topics, as some believe it should be more difficult to get the pill, while others believe the ease of access is part of the appeal.
“I think a woman has a choice with our bodies, and if an abortion pill is sold and is accessible, it should be an option,” said a female mass communication student who wishes to remain anonymous.
Many women, especially those who are victims of sexual abuse, are worried about the possible consequences of easy access to the pill as well. Since the only thing needed is a prescription of the pill to pick it up, it would be very easy for victims of abuse to be forced to take the pill even if they do not want to.
“The consequences of abusing women are completely removed when you can force a woman to kill your child without any criminality,” said Kate Jenkins, a junior mass communication major. “All you would have to do is do an e-visit and see a pharmacy.”
Mifepristone is one of two drugs that can be used for medical abortions and will now be made easier to receive via CVS and Walgreens pharmacies dispensing it. In order to keep their pharmacists out of risk, states with a political gray area will not be dispensing the drug, but others, where it is legal, will be able to do so very soon.
