Overview

• Costco confirmed on August 14 that it will not pursue FDA certification to dispense mifepristone at its more than 500 U.S. pharmacies, citing a lack of member demand.
• A coalition of faith-based investors led by Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom celebrated the decision as a significant win and said it will target other retailers such as CVS and Walgreens.
• Pro-access officials including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized Costco’s move as short-sighted and continue to urge major chains and regulators to expand in-pharmacy dispensing.
• CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance remain the only national pharmacy chains certified to stock mifepristone in states where abortion is legal.
• Patients can still obtain mifepristone through telehealth and mail-order providers in permissive jurisdictions, even as legal challenges target cross-state prescribing.