Costco Says It Will Not Dispense the Abortion Pill at Its U.S. Pharmacies

The Big Picture

Costco has decided not to dispense the abortion pill mifepristone at any of its U.S. pharmacies, saying it has not seen consumer demand for the medication, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 14.

What’s New

Live Action said shareholder letters and member petitions in 2024 urged several national retailers—including Costco—to avoid dispensing abortion drugs. The group highlighted Costco’s “no demand” rationale and noted that advocacy attention is now shifting to other chains. Read the summary at Live Action.

National Right to Life also characterized Costco’s move as a win for pro-life investors and said corporate-engagement efforts will focus on chains that do dispense the medication where permitted by state law. See more from NRLC.

What They’re Saying

Context

Medication-abortion access has become a corporate policy flashpoint. CVS and Walgreens dispense mifepristone in states where it is legal. Kroger and Sam’s Club have said they are not selling the drug; earlier online listings suggesting otherwise were later described as third-party errors. Walmart and Albertsons have also said they are not offering the medication. The broader landscape reflects competing pressures from pension funds, faith-based asset managers, and consumer groups, alongside evolving state-level rules on dispensing.

What’s Next

Advocacy groups indicate they will concentrate on chains that do dispense the pill, pressing boards and executives on legal and business-risk assessments. Costco has not signaled plans to revisit its stance.

The Bottom Line

Costco is opting out, citing limited demand, while national chains continue to face heavy pressure—legal, political, and financial—over how they handle abortion-pill access.

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