Walgreens says it won't distribute abortion pill in 21 states including some where abortion is legal

Abortion is still legal in four of the states – Alaska, Iowa, Kansas and Montana – but efforts are underway to implement restrictions that would include the pills.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: March 5, 2023 4:16pm

Updated: March 5, 2023 4:41pm

Walgreens said it will not distribute the abortion pill mifepristone in 21 states, including several states where abortion is legal but there are efforts to restrict the abortifacients.

"This is a very complex and in flux area of the law, and we are taking that into account as we seek certification," Walgreens spokesman Fraser Engerman told The New York Times on Friday.

The pharmaceutical chain's decision to not distribute mifepristone comes several weeks after Republican attorneys general in the 21 states sent letters warning of legal action if Walgreens dispenses the pill.

Abortion is still legal in four of the states – Alaska, Iowa, Kansas and Montana – but efforts are underway to implement restrictions that would include the pills.

The chain will still distribute misoprostol, the second pill required for the abortion regimen that is used for other medical conditions as well.