As people bought up Plan B and other emergency contraceptive pills after the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade on Friday, at least two major pharmacies put limits on purchases or deliveries of the pills, which typically cost $10 to $50.
CVS said it would temporarily cap purchases of emergency contraceptives at three packs “to ensure equitable access and consistent supply on store shelves.”
Walgreens stated that the product was available in stores for pickup on Monday. A spokeswoman also said that there were no restrictions on purchases at this time. But the pharmacy said it would temporarily stop delivering the contraceptives to customers’ homes.
“Walgreens is still able to meet demand in-store,” the spokeswoman said in an email, adding that “we are working to restock online inventory for ship-to-home.”
Kroger’s website said its Plan B stock in its supermarkets was low. The company did not respond when we asked for comment. Amazon’s website had various emergency contraceptives available, but most of them not for delivery before mid-July. The company did not respond to an email asking about unusual fulfillment times.
Although birth control is legal in the United States at present, some legal experts warn against abortion bans being used by legislators to restrict access to contraceptives.
If taken within 72 hour of sexual activity, morning after pills can temporarily inhibit ovulation or prevent pregnancy. A draft ruling leaked last month by the Supreme Court revealed that emergency contraception companies saw a significant increase in sales. This was despite the fact that many companies selling it said that Roe v. Wade would likely be overturned, ending federal abortion rights.
Since Friday, abortion pills, which are different than emergency contraception, have become more popular.
Source: NY Times
