Newsom Cuts Walgreens Out of California
California Governor Gavin Newsom stops all business with Walgreens in California. The company announced Monday that it would not dispense abortion medication in 21 Republican-dominated states.
Newsom tweeted Monday, “California won’t be doing business with @walgreens – or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts women’s lives at risk.”
Prior to Monday’s news, Newsom has positioned himself as an advocate for abortion rights. Newsom believes the pills are lifesavers to people who need care, especially in the undeserved communities. Last month, him and other Democratic governors led an alliance to share model legislation change and potential bills to protect abortion access. The recent news finalized his views for Walgreens.
Other states that coincide with abortion restrictions include Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Texas, and many others. The pushback comes at a time where drug companies are facing legal action for selling abortion pills. California officials did not suspect Walgreens to give into the pressures of Republican states.
Buying Power of California
To clarify implementing, Walgreens will dispense Mifepristone in “jurisdictions where it is legal and operationally feasible.” Kansas and Iowa are states where medication abortion is legal and accessible, but Walgreens will wait to dispense in those states. The company wants to respect state bylaws.
In January, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded access to medication by allowing U.S. drug pharmacies to offer to patients directly. The shift in policy has left companies like Walgreens and CVS contemplating when and where to dispense medication. In addition, a certification process determines if companies can sell legally in certain states.
California is immense in buying power regarding the healthcare market. More than 13 million residents rely on the state’s Medicaid program. President of the California Pharmacists Association, Richard Dang, believes Walgreens would be affected by Newsom’s changes. The future of using abortion pills exemplifies how much political power influences health care.
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