US retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart limit sale of over-the-counter abortion pills

Some of the country’s largest retailers are limiting their over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptive pills, amid a surge in demand after the Supreme Court ruling Friday that overturning a constitutional right to abortion.

CVS Health Corp., Walmart Inc. and Rite Aid Corp. are limiting purchases of the pills, which were as of Monday already in short supply or out of on major retailer websites, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

CVS and Rite Aid were limiting purchases to three, and Walmart had some pills available without limits but cannot them until next month, the news outlet also reported.

A CVS spokesman said the company has an ample supply of pills in stores and online but imposed the limitations to ensure equitable access.

 Rite Aid said the decision was based on increased demand, and Walmart did not respond to requests for comment.