Costco Wholesale has decided to not sell the abortion pill mifepristone across all its U.S. pharmacy stores, citing low demand.
This isn’t a change in policy or Costco (COST) dropping the medicine. It has never sold mifepristone in its warehouse clubs or through its pharmacies.
“Our position at this time not to sell mifepristone, which has not changed, is based on the lack of demand from our members and other patients, who we understand generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers,” Costco said.
The decision comes amid campaigns against the pill by religious activist groups, including Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom.
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Plan B vs. the abortion pill
Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
- Purpose: Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g., condom break).
- When used: Before a pregnancy starts, within 72 hours (best within 24 hours) after sex.
- How it works:
- Delays or prevents ovulation (egg release).
- May also prevent fertilization of the egg.
- Does not terminate an existing pregnancy. If the fertilized egg is already implanted, Plan B has no effect.
- Type: High-dose progestin (hormone), similar to birth control pill hormones, just in a single larger dose.
- Availability: Over-the-counter, no prescription, no age limit in the U.S.
The Abortion Pill (Mifepristone + Misoprostol)
- Purpose: To end an existing pregnancy (up to about 10–11 weeks gestation in the U.S.).
- When used: After pregnancy has been confirmed (positive test or clinical confirmation).
- How it works:
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy.
- Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
- Type: Two different medications taken in sequence — not the same as hormonal birth control.
- Availability: Requires a prescription in the U.S. and is regulated under the FDA’s Mifepristone REMS Program (dispensed at certified pharmacies, clinics, or by mail in states where legal).
Retailers that carry Plan B
- CVS: Stocked in most locations, typically in the family planning aisle; billing through insurance is possible, or pay out-of-pocket and claim later. You can also order online for pickup.
- Walgreens: Commonly available either on shelves or behind the counter; curbside and drive-thru pick-up may be offered
- Target: Carries Plan B both in-store and online, with options for delivery or same-day in-store pickup.
- Walmart: Available in the family planning or sexual wellness section; online ordering with pickup or delivery options is also available.
- Other grocery and drugstore chains: Many large grocery store pharmacies (Kroger, Albertsons) and drugstore chains carry Plan B over-the-counter near other reproductive health products.
- Brick-and-mortar retail pharmacies
Retailers that carry the abortion pill
- CVS and Walgreens: These two major chains have obtained FDA certification (through the Mifepristone REMS program) to dispense mifepristone in select locations, specifically in states where such dispensing is legally permitted. The list includes over 20 states such as California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and others. However, availability varies by location and state-level restrictions
Costco does not get involved in politics
Costco has said its decision on the abortion pill is a business one based on demand. The company generally stays out of politics.
It has a very clear policy on its website:
- Costco Wholesale has a long-standing policy against making contributions to any political party or candidate, federal, state or local, in all countries in which we do business.
- This prohibition covers not only direct contributions, but also support through organizations created under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, buying tickets to political fundraising events, or furnishing goods, services, or equipment for political fundraising purposes.
- The Company also prohibits contributions for “independent expenditures”: communications that expressly advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that are not made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, candidate’s authorized committee, or a political party.
Related: Costco to keep abortion pill off shelves amid conservative outcry
