Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Associated Press
Published on 2024-03-01 19:36:03
CVS Health and Walgreens, two of the largest drugstore chains in the United States, have announced plans to start dispensing the abortion pill known as mifepristone in select states. CVS Health will begin filling prescriptions for mifepristone in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts in the coming weeks, while Walgreens will start dispensing the medication in locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois within a week.
Both companies cited the need to ensure quality, safety, and privacy for their patients, providers, and team members as the reason for starting in select locations. CVS Health intends to expand to other states where permitted by law on a rolling basis, while Walgreens will also monitor the situation and potentially expand to more locations in the future.
The move by CVS and Walgreens is seen as a significant milestone in ensuring access to mifepristone, with President Joe Biden praising the decision. He highlighted that many women will now have the convenience of picking up their prescriptions at a local pharmacy like they would with any other medication. President Biden also encouraged other pharmacies to consider seeking certification to provide mifepristone to their patients.
The decision by CVS and Walgreens to dispense mifepristone comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule change to broaden the availability of abortion pills, including mifepristone, to many more pharmacies, large chains, and mail-order companies. Mifepristone, approved by the FDA in 2000, is typically used in combination with misoprostol to terminate pregnancies of up to 10 weeks.
For over 20 years, the dispensing of mifepristone was limited to specialized offices and clinics due to safety concerns. However, the recent FDA rule change has made it more accessible to a wider range of healthcare providers. Despite this, there are ongoing legal challenges from conservative groups seeking to reverse mifepristone’s approval or restrict access to the medication.
Mifepristone works by dilating the cervix and blocking the hormone progesterone, necessary for sustaining a pregnancy. Misoprostol, taken 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone, causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue. The medication is considered safe and effective when used as instructed by healthcare providers.
In conclusion, the decision by CVS Health and Walgreens to dispense mifepristone in select states is a significant step towards ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services for women. The expansion of availability to more pharmacies and healthcare providers is an important development in reproductive healthcare and women’s rights in the United States.
