By Kansans for Life
In a letter dated February 17, 2023, Walgreens has committed to abide by Kansas and federal laws after receiving a written warning from Attorney General Kris Kobach to not begin dispensing abortion pills from its pharmacy windows in the state.
Walgreens became the first nationwide pharmacy chain to announce it intended to sell the chemical cocktail used to intentionally cause the deaths of preborn babies, despite peer-reviewed science showing abortion pills are dangerous for women. Walgreens’ actions soon triggered copycat announcements from other major pharmacy chains that seemed to have sensed a new profit-making opportunity.
Kansans for Life (KFL) applauds Attorney General Kobach for swift action to clearly communicate his firm resolve to stand for the rule of law. We call on other pharmacies to also commit to protecting the health and safety of women who would be endangered by the lack of monitoring of these deadly chemicals.
In the letter, Walgreens Executive Vice President Danielle C. Gray states that the company “does not intend to dispense Mifepristone within your state and does not intend to ship Mifepristone into your state from any of our pharmacies.”
Since December, KFL has been monitoring the situation resulting from Biden Administration’s efforts to remove protections for women by eliminating in-person physician oversight of use of the abortion pill. Large cohort studies have shown chemical abortion results in four times the rate of complications than surgical abortions. Dangers include life-threatening blood loss, undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, and inappropriate use of chemical abortion pills due to underestimated gestational age from lack of medical oversight.
Kansas law requiring in-person physician administration of the abortion pill has been temporarily enjoined but remains on the books.
A hearing before the Kansas Supreme Court will take place in March 2023.
The original letter Kobach sent to Walgreens leadership can be read here.
Walgreen’s response can be read here.