The Food and Drug Administration says it will allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion pills, but the move will only have a small effect in Kansas. Pharmacies will be able to apply for certification to dispense mifepristone, also known as RU-4-86, as part of a two-pill regimen approved to end pregnancies in their first 10 weeks. Right now, Kansans can only get the drug from a clinic or doctor. It will still require a prescription. Patients in Kansas would still need to visit a clinic in person and undergo an ultrasound before getting that prescription. Representatives for CVS and Walgreens, two of the state’s largest pharmacies, say they’re reviewing the FDA announcement.
Abortion pills are used in around two-thirds of Kansas abortions. Doctors say the change at FDA will do little to expand abortion access in Kansas. Abortion remains legal in the state up to 22 weeks.
