Costco Cites "Lack of Demand" in Decision Not to Sell Abortion Pill Mifepristone

Issaquah, WA – Costco Wholesale has announced it will not sell the abortion pill mifepristone at its U.S. pharmacy locations, citing a "lack of demand from our members and other patients." The decision, which the company stated reflects an unchanged position, comes amidst ongoing pressure from conservative activist groups. The Post Millennial reported on the development, stating, "Costco will not sell abortion pills, cites 'lack of demand'."

The warehouse retailer clarified that members generally obtain the medication directly from their medical providers. However, the announcement has been widely celebrated by anti-abortion advocacy organizations, including the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and Inspire Investing, which have actively lobbied major retailers against dispensing the drug. Michael Ross, legal counsel for ADF, stated, "We applaud Costco for doing the right thing by its shareholders and resisting activist calls to sell abortion drugs."

In contrast to Costco's stance, major pharmacy chains like CVS Health and Walgreens have begun dispensing mifepristone in states where it is legally permissible. These companies have undergone a certification process to comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protocols. CVS noted its long history of supporting women's health and commitment to providing access to safe, legal, and evidence-based reproductive health services.

Mifepristone, approved by the FDA in 2000, is used in combination with misoprostol to medically terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation. The FDA modified its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) in January 2023, allowing certified retail pharmacies to dispense the medication, a move intended to expand access. Despite this, the availability of medication abortion remains subject to varying state laws and ongoing legal challenges.

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) has criticized Costco's decision, calling it "unreasonable" for a major retailer to close the door to selling a safe and effective medication. Pro-choice advocates emphasize that medication abortion accounts for a significant portion of all abortions in the U.S., with the Guttmacher Institute reporting it made up 63% of abortions in 2023. The debate highlights the complex intersection of corporate policy, public demand, and the highly politicized landscape of reproductive healthcare.