What's Happening?
Costco has announced that it will not sell the abortion pill mifepristone at its pharmacy locations, citing a lack of demand from its members and other patients. The decision was influenced by the fact that patients typically receive the medication from their medical providers. This move was praised by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative religious coalition that had urged Costco not to sell the drug. Mifepristone, approved by the FDA in 2000, is part of a regimen used to terminate pregnancies up to 10 weeks and is involved in over half of all abortions in the U.S.
Why It's Important?
Costco's decision not to sell mifepristone reflects ongoing debates around abortion access in the U.S. The move aligns with conservative values, potentially affecting the company's relationship with its customer base. It highlights the influence of advocacy groups on corporate decisions and may impact how other retailers approach the sale of abortion-related products. This decision could also affect the availability of mifepristone, influencing access to abortion services, particularly in areas where medical providers are scarce.
