California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that the state would sever ties with Walgreens following the drugstore chain’s decision not to sell the abortion pill in states where 21 Republican attorneys general exerted pressure.
In a tweet, Newsom declared that California is terminating its business relations with Walgreens. Brandon Richards, a spokesperson for the governor, emphasized that the state is currently reassessing all existing connections between Walgreens and California.
“We will not engage in business partnerships with companies that yield to right-wing pressures promoting their radical agenda or prioritize politics over the health needs of women and girls,” Richards stated.
Walgreens responded by asserting its intention to dispense mifepristone in jurisdictions where it is legally permissible.
“Once certified by the FDA, we will distribute this medication in compliance with federal and state regulations,” the company affirmed in a statement.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration granted retail pharmacies authorization to sell mifepristone under an FDA program overseeing its distribution and usage.
Walgreens plans to achieve certification to offer mifepristone where state and federal laws allow.
In February, Walgreens informed the 21 Republican attorneys general that it would refrain from selling or mailing the abortion pill in their respective states.
Mifepristone, often used alongside misoprostol, constitutes approximately half of all abortions in the United States.
The drug has become a focal point in debates over abortion access following last year’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Physicians opposing abortion have petitioned a federal court in Texas to suspend the FDA’s approval of mifepristone.
Conversely, Democratic attorneys general have petitioned a Washington federal court to declare remaining FDA restrictions on mifepristone unconstitutional.
Approved by the FDA over two decades ago, mifepristone was initially subject to stringent restrictions to ensure safe usage.
Over time, the FDA has progressively relaxed these restrictions in response to accumulating evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
