Politics in pharmacies: Walgreens refuses to sell mifepristone in 20 states

3 out of the 5 of which, can be prevented.

“I think it doesn’t make sense that a pharmacy even is political at all and shouldn’t be able to deny selling birth control because of that,” sophomore Sam Peterson said.

ONGOING DEBATE. Currently, Walgreens in Minnesota will continue to sell mifepristone and other abortion pills. However, many other states will be affected by the company’s birth control policy.

ANNIE ZHANG THE RUBICON

There are various forms of contraceptives including condoms and birth control. With the overturn of Roe vs Wade, abortion has been made illegal in many states, and now, the restrictions on birth control, as well as the refusal of selling mifepristone, is piling onto the list of restricted healthcare rights for women. In 21 red leading states, various Republican attorney generals have threatened legal action against Walgreens for attempting to sell mifepristone, even if the state still mandates abortion.

“Because women’s reproductive rights have been and continue to

Speaker Day

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This years key note speaker is Dr. Rose Brewer, a social activist, scholar, co-author of The Color of Wealth and author with work focusing on Black feminism, gender, and social change. After graduating from SPA, she attended the University of Indiana to get an MA and PhD degrees in so - be threatened, someone having access to birth control at an easier location is so important- and Walgreens refusing is an example of how many states view women’s reproductive rights.” junior Anisa Deo said. For many women, not having access to abortion pills would mean a number of risks. For instance, ciology.

Perspective. Attitude. Reflection. Those are three objectives SPA students and faculty want a change in during this Speaker Day. Junior Melina Kannankutty wants to hear “what constitutes as a joke [...] I think that’s a very big misconception, right?” Gonzalez hopes that the community understands “people whose experiences with gen-

1 out of 6 women in the US have been raped, or have been the victim of an attempted rape. Without abortion pills, not only does the woman face being forced to give birth to a child (that they themselves may not be ready for),

“To me it’s concerning. It’s scary for the future, if even in states where der are different from [their] own.” Dr. Peterson hopes that “people in the community will take it seriously, decide to tune in, and [...] use their privilege for good.” A day without that usual framework of school, but stories, discussion, and wisdom from speakers that have experience.

Corrections Policy

abortion pills are legal that Walgreens won’t sell them. How will people who need them get access to them? It makes me wonder if they will go away completely and the consequences of that are scary,” said freshman Clare Ryan-Bradley. “It makes me mad that Walgreens won’t sell abortion pills in states where it’s legal because it feels like Walgreens looks down on women.”

Without access to mifepristone, risks in every area for women are greatly increased. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 700 women in the US die every year due to pregnancy-related issues,

Ms Journalism

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In the last session on Apr. 14, ther students could be overheard discussing hot topics like “Why you should be a Packers fan,” or “Why the gossip in the middle school bathrooms during X period needs to stop.”

Fisher started media literacy outreach last spring, when she organized a four-week mini for fifth graders at the lower school. That workshop was inspired by her Social Venture Project she developd during a semester away at the School for Global Ethics and Leadership in Washington, D.C.

In February of 2023, a number of Republican state attorneys wrote a letter to Walgreens, putting legal pressure on the corporation to stop refilling abortion pill prescriptions. These states included Missouri, Alabama and Arkansas, all of which have near-total bans of abortion, as well as Alaska and South Carolina, which have not banned abortion. In the letter, it main argument consists of that it is illegal or unlawful in many states to mail out abortion pills, as stated in 18 U.S.C. § 1461. Additionally, the letter also argues that by mailing out abortion pills, it is more likely for a woman to be coerced into having an abortion, since there is no supervision involved when it comes to taking abortion pills at home.

As a result, in early March, Walgreens announced that the company will not be dispensing abortion pills in the 21 states included in the letter. However, some states such as California have taken action against the decision, canceling multi-million dollar contracts with Walgreens as a response to the company’s decision.

There’s just not safe options if they are not being sold in places that are accessible to everyone.

Liza Thomas

Women should have the right to do whatever they want with their bodies.

Eli Peres

This news is a scary reality because it continues the cycle of restricting women’s reproductive rights.

Remy Frank

Interested in more journalism mentoring opportunities with the Rubicon? Register for Journalism Blitz, for students entering 5-8, Jul. 31-Aug. 4