State leaders are demanding major companies that operate pharmacies in New York to clarify if they will carry abortion medication in their stores.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are calling on CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens to explain within 10 business days whether they are going to carry the drugs, specifically mifepristone.
James and other attorneys general in February sent a letter to pharmacies supporting sales of the medication, underscoring that they are legal and approved by the FDA.
Walgreens has refused to offer the medication in 21 other states due to legal issues the company could face, according to an article from the New York Times. Anti-abortion attorneys generals sent their own message to pharmacies, pressuring them not provide mifepristone in their stores.
The latest letter, released Thursday, from Hochul and James requested pharmacies to provide a legal reasoning if they choose not to distribute the drug.
The announcement from James' office cited a study by University of Colorado that maternal mortality rates could increase by 24% if access to abortions is reduced.
