On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a regulatory change that allows retail pharmacies to fill prescriptions for pills that induce abortions, like mifepristone. Before now, patients could only get this medication through clinics, doctors, and selected mail-order pharmacies. The FDA finalized FAQs regarding this regulatory change here.

Mifepristone, according to FDA regulations, may be administered in the first 70 days of pregnancy to alter production of hormones that maintain the interior of the uterus. This drug is commonly used with misoprostol, which induces uterine muscle contractions.

CVS and Walgreens, two large pharmacy chains in the United States, totaling nearly 18,000 nationwide locations, announced plans on January 4 to carry mifepristone after the FDA’s regulatory change. Both pharmacy chains noted that compliance measures will be enforced regarding distribution of this drug.

The new FDA rule does not supersede state laws. This means the rule’s impact will be limited to states that already allow mifepristone’s use. Consequently, Walgreens’ announcement noted this medication’s distribution will be “consistent with state and federal laws,” while CVS announced that it plans to provide mifepristone “where legally permissible.”

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