Tester Letter Presses Walgreens, CVS to Ensure Access to Women’s Health Care in Rural America

Letter calls on Walgreens to reverse decision limiting the sale of mifepristone and misoprostol in states like Montana where the medication is legal;

Sen. Tester: “I always fight to defend Montanans’ right to privacy, and am demanding an end to this unacceptable response to government overreach”

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today sent a letter to Walgreens and CVS’ executives pressing the companies to take immediate action to ensure that all women, including those in rural areas like Montana, have access to safe and effective health care. Tester’s letter is in response to Walgreens’ recent decision limiting the sale of mifepristone and misoprostol, even in states like Montana where the medications are legal. 

“Montanans and folks all across this country value their freedom and privacy, and they don’t want corporations limiting access to the safe and effective health care they need,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m urging Walgreens to reverse course on their unacceptable decision that will prevent Montana women, especially in rural areas, from accessing legal medication that is prescribed by their doctors. No corporation, judge, or politician should be in the business of telling women how to live their lives or undermining their fundamental right to privacy.”

In his letter, Tester emphasized that America was founded on the principle of freedom and that by limiting the sale of legal and safe medications, Walgreens is directly infringing on Montanans’ rights:

“America was founded on the principle of freedom and I am deeply concerned that Walgreens is limiting the sale of mifepristone and misoprostol, even in states like Montana where these medications and abortion care are legal,” wrote Tester. “I strongly urge Walgreens to reverse course, urge CVS to maintain its current policies, and for both companies to ensure access to this critical medication and leave the private medical decisions of women between herself and her doctor. I always fight to defend Montanans’ right to privacy, and am demanding an end to this unacceptable response to government overreach.”

Additionally, Tester stressed that limiting access to safe and effective health care will force Montana women, especially those in rural areas, to travel extremely long distances or pursue unsafe alternatives that could put their well-being in jeopardy: 

“Many Montanans, especially in rural areas, rely on businesses like Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to provide needed medications and health care advice,” wrote Tester. “This decision will force women to decide between traveling extremely long distances or to seek out illegal and potentially unsafe alternatives, which could put their health and lives at risk. This is unacceptable, and I urge you to reconsider your policy.”

Tester has led the fight to ensure that Montana women have access to safe and effective health care. Tester is a strong supporter of Women’s Health Protection Act, which would guarantee the right to privacy for women making personal healthcare decisions.

You can read the Senator’s full letter to Walgreens and CVS HERE.