CVS has dropped its restriction on sales of ‘morning-after’ pills just three days after it was imposed due surging demand in the wake of the overturning of Roe v Wade.
America’s biggest pharmacy chain said there was a ‘sharp increase’ in demand in the minutes after the court decision, prompting it to limit sales to three per woman.
But now demand has ‘returned to normal’, a spokesman told DailyMaill.com, allowing them to remove the restriction. It had affected Plan B pills, which are sold for $49.99 each, and Aftera products, retailed at $39.99.
Rite Aid still has a sales limit in place, while Walgreens is now expecting another delivery of ‘morning-after’ pills for delivery in the coming days after reportedly selling out of its online stock over the weekend.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade — which gave constitutional protection to abutilon — sparked nationwide panic, leading many to hurriedly stock up on the pills which have a shelf-life of about four years.
One justice has suggested rules on contraception could be re-examined, although at present there is no suggestion that any state will block sales of the ‘morning-after’ pill.
America’s largest pharmacy CVS has removed limits on sales of the ‘morning-after’ pill after demand for them returned to normal
The limit had affected Plan B pills and Aftera (shown above). Drag the slide to see the change on the website from ‘limit 3 per order’ to ‘limit 99 per order’
Rite Aid is still restricting sales of its ‘morning-after’ pills after bringing in the limit on Monday
Morning-after pills are a type of emergency contraception reserved for after unprotected sex or as a last resort when other devices — like condoms — have failed.
They are available over the counter, with one pill needing to be taken within 72 hours of intercourse in order to stop a pregnancy.
It works by preventing ovulation or altering the lining of the womb to stop an egg becoming implanted, avoiding a pregnancy. Manufacturer data shows they are about 87 percent effective.
‘Morning-after’ drugs differ from those used for abortion — such as Mifeprex — which require a prescription and involve taking two pills.
Many women may only buy one packet of ‘morning-after’ pills at a time.
CVS put the limit in place on Saturday, and Rite Aid followed suit on Monday.
But revealing the limit was to be removed, a spokeswoman said: ‘Immediately following the Supreme Court decision, we saw a sharp increase in the sale of emergency contraceptives and implemented a temporary purchase limit to ensure equitable access.
‘Sales have since returned to normal. We continue to have ample supply of emergency contraceptives to meet customer needs.’
Rite Aid has Plan B pills available for $47.49 each and Option 2 pills for $32.99 for one, and limited their sale on Monday.
Walgreens said yesterday it was still able to meet ‘in store demand’ and was ‘working’ to re-stock its online inventory. The pharmacy did not say when it sold out of the pills for home delivery.
It comes after women hurriedly stockpile abortion pills and contraception over fears that access could be banned.
Last week the court’s longest serving justice Clarence Thomas warned that they could ‘reconsider’ rulings on access to contraception suggesting the right to the ‘morning-after’ pill could also be at risk.
This has sparked panic in many circles, with women now hurrying to restock.
In the days since Roe v Wade was overturned some clinics say their appointments have spiked four-fold since the Roe v Wade ruling.
Planned Parenthood Southeast, in Atlanta, Georgia, also says they have faced a surge in women wanting to know how many pills are available.
But amid the rush many are being urged not to completely ‘clear the shelves’ of abortion pills to ensure they remain available for women who need them right now.
It is expected that abortion pills will become the focus of many legal battles in the states to outlaw abortion.
So far, 13 states have already imposed new laws, with Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Missouri completely banning abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest.
In a statement on its website, Just The Pill, which offers abortion pills via mail delivery, said it is ‘undaunted by the Supreme Court decision and will continue to bring care to the people who most need it. We are here for you.
‘You can still get care from us in Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Let us know if you need help with travel arrangements and costs.’
Medication abortion is still authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
It requires a woman takes two drugs 24 to 48 hours apart to cause contractions similar to a miscarriage which expels the fetus, causing heavy bleeding.
Medication is less expensive and invasive and the pills can be mailed to your home, meaning it is a common choice for women choosing to carry out an abortion.
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