NOW Urges Wal-Mart to Expand Emergency Contraception Access to Stores in all States

February 15, 2006

Under pressure from a lawsuit and the state pharmacy board, Wal-Mart agreed yesterday to start stocking and selling emergency contraception in its Massachusetts stores. Currently Wal-Mart does not dispense emergency contraception (also known as Plan B or the "morning after pill") in any state other than Illinois, where it is required to do so by law.

"While NOW is encouraged by this development, it is clear that Wal-Mart only changes its policy when backed into a legal corner. Their concern for the rights of women customers is secondary at best," said NOW Action Vice President Melody Drnach.

NOW named Wal-Mart a Merchant of Shame nearly four years ago, pointing to the retail giant's long list of alleged workplace abuses, including sex discrimination in pay, promotion and compensation, and its refusal to dispense emergency contraception.

To be most effective, emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Because Wal-Mart has put so many smaller stores out of business, in a number of areas it is the only pharmacy for miles. No woman at risk for unintended pregnancy, be it the result of sexual assault or a broken condom, should be turned away by Wal-Mart and forced to find another pharmacy while the clock is ticking.

Unable to fill their Plan B prescriptions at Wal-Mart stores, three Massachusetts women filed suit against the retailer on Feb. 1. In a matter of days, the state Board of Registration in Pharmacy voted unanimously to require Wal-Mart to stock and sell emergency contraception, and the company announced that it would comply "as soon as reasonably possible."

"NOW urges Wal-Mart to take action immediately to meet the requirements of the Massachusetts pharmacy board. Unfortunately, women will continue to be denied Plan B at thousands of Wal-Mart pharmacies across the country," said Drnach.

A Wal-Mart spokesperson told the media that the company is reviewing its nationwide policy on emergency contraception and "actively thinking through the issue."

"Simply saying that they're reviewing the policy is not enough," said Drnach. "Any policy that discriminates against women is wrong and should be changed without delay."

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal w. 202-628-8669, ext. 116, c. 301-660-3447

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