Did you know that retail shops used to limit the sale of home COVID-19 test kits? Distributors are now restricting the purchase of Plan B emergency contraceptive pill due to higher demand after Roe V Wade’s reversal.
On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and Rite Aid are all experiencing a surge in the purchase of Plan B pills. The over-the-counter medications are being rationed by three of these companies, either online or in-store.
With the June 24 SCOTUS reversal of Roe, 13 states have already passed pro-life laws and there has been a high demand for Plan B pills in the case that women cannot use other methods to kill their babies in life-affirming states.
After the Supreme Court decision overturning the Constitution’s right to an abortion, large retailers are now rationing emergency contraceptive medications over-the counter. #WSJWhatsNow https://t.co/KatjAA3eAg pic.twitter.com/h32eCZseTA
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) June 28, 2022
A CVS spokesman told WSJ that the company has “implemented temporary purchase limits to ensure equitable access.” Walmart claimed that it regularly rations high demand products and Rite Aid told WSJ that “it was limiting purchases of the pills both online and in stores due to increased demand.” Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. reportedly had a purchase limit on its website but claimed it “was an error and that it would be soon corrected.”
Hmm…sounds fishy.
Plan B, which is the most popular emergency contraceptive brand in America, does not require a prescription. The morning-after pill is also known as Plan B and should be used within 3 days of unprotected sexual activity. If taken early enough, the pill aims to stop the woman from ovulating but if that doesn’t work or if the pill is taken later on, it can stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
Though these pills are scientifically different than chemical abortion pills, the latter form is often considered an abortion for the pro-life community as it terminates a fertilized egg.
Even so, birth control is still legal in the United States and this surge to retail sites and locations was an irrational decision. The reason for the unnecessarily large demand was pointed out by WSJ.
In the days following Friday’s court decision, social media filled with comments either encouraging or dissuading people to stock up on the contraceptive. Some people posted they would buy as many as possible, while others opposed stockpiling out of fear that it might cut access for those in immediate need.
WSJ also included Planned Parenthood’s response to the surge.
Planned Parenthood advised Monday against the accumulation of emergency contraceptives because they are not easily replenished and can be difficult to access by women in immediate need.
Ethical aside, states have yet to report stopping distribution of Plan B contraceptive pills. But if that happens, then perhaps chastity pants will also become very popular.
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