Costco will not sell abortion pills, cites 'lack of demand'

Popular retailer Costco has decided not to sell mifepristone, a pill used to induce abortions, at its pharmacies across the US.

Costco said in a statement, "Our position at this time not to sell mifepristone, which has not changed, is based on the lack of demand from our members and other patients, who we understand generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers," per Reuters.

The decision came amid pressure from a coalition of religious groups who urged the company not to carry the drug at its pharmacies. Michael Ross, legal counsel for the corporate engagement team at Alliance Defending Freedom, told Bloomberg, "It’s a very significant win and it’s one we hope to build on this coming year."

He said the group, which includes ADF, Inspire Investing, and other financial officials, will shift its focus to Walgreens Boots Alliance and CVS Health Corp, both of which dispense mifepristone in their pharmacies in states where it's legal.

Walgreens states on its website, "The US Supreme Court’s ruling on mifepristone access allows Walgreens to continue to dispense mifepristone under the FDA guidelines." CVS said, "We have a long history of supporting and advancing women’s health and we remain focused on meeting their unique health needs. This includes providing access to safe, legal, and evidence-based reproductive health services."

Investors wrote letters to Kroger, Walmart, and Albertsons, in addition to Costco, in 2024 requesting that they not dispense the abortion pill. Kroger said it has never offered the pill, while Walmart and Albertsons currently do not offer the drug.

Tim Schwarzenberger, director of corporate engagement at Inspire, the largest religious exchange-traded fund (ETF), said, "We have this momentum. Now there is a chance to turn to some of the other retailers."

While Amazon does not currently offer the pill, he said that the group would lobby to make sure the company continues not to offer it.