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CVS and Rite Aid have begun rationing emergency contraceptives amid rising demand just days after the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion.
CVS said it will temporarily limit Plan B and Aftera purchases to three packages per customer. A spokesman said Monday that while the pharmacy chain has a “wide supply” of products both online and in-store, the cap aims to “ensure equitable access and consistent supply to store shelves.”
Rite Aid also limits purchases to three per customer, a spokesman said Monday, also citing increased demand.
The Walgreens website showed Tuesday that two emergency contraceptives, Plan B and Take Action, were out of stock for shipping, but available for same-day collection and delivery at certain stores. A spokeswoman said Monday that purchases are not limited at the moment, as the company could still cover demand at the store. “We are working to replenish online inventory from the ship to home.” The grocery chain Kroger points out on its website that Plan B is not available for shipment and that stocks in the store are low.
The Supreme Court on Friday overturned the fundamental right to abortion established nearly 50 years ago Roe against Wade, leaving states free to drastically reduce or outlaw the procedure. Thirteen states had trigger laws in place when the sentence went into effect, and they immediately went into effect in several states, stopping attention to abortion.
The ruling does not affect emergency contraceptives such as Plan B One-Step, which are used to prevent pregnancy by temporarily delaying ovulation if taken within 72 hours of sexual activity. No prescription or identification is required to purchase them, nor is there any age requirement.
But after Friday’s ruling, health advocates, legal experts and officials have expressed concern that further efforts may be made to reduce people’s rights to contraception.
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At Target and Walmart, the Plan B pill is suitable for shipping and collection, but delivery time varies by location. It can also be purchased directly on the Plan B website, but is only suitable for shipping in four to six days.