Victory against Wal-Mart!

Today, Wal-Mart did the right thing. Thanks to pressure from activists like you and three brave women in Massachusetts, Wal-Mart reversed its discriminatory policy against stocking the "morning-after" pill! Starting March 20, its pharmacies will start filling women’s prescriptions for the morning-after pill.

According to Ron Chomiuk, vice president of Pharmacy for Wal-Mart: "We expect more states to require us to sell emergency contraceptives in the months ahead. Because of this, and the fact that this is an FDA-approved product, we feel it is difficult to justify being the country’s only major pharmacy chain not selling it." [Wal-Mart press statement 3/3/06]

The morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception, has the potential to significantly reduce the need for abortion. If used within days of unprotected sex, it can prevent unintended pregnancy by up to 89 percent.

Though this decision is a step forward for women's health, the retailer also said it would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill these prescriptions if they personally oppose birth control. This decision leaves the door open for women to lose access to this legally prescribed medication due to a pharmacist’s personal beliefs.

Please thank Wal-Mart for changing its policy and urge the company to revisit its pharmacy refusal policy.

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Emergency contraception - a step in the right direction

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I am writing to let Wal-Mart know that your company did the right thing by changing your policy on stocking emergency contraception.

I urge you to revisit your policy that still allows women to be turned away by pharmacists. Please ensure that all women get their birth control prescriptions filled, without harassment or intimidation.

Sincerely,