Rule Change Allowing Pharmacies to Start Selling Drug Used in Abortions Will Have Little Change in Wisconsin

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

(By Sarah Lehr, Wisconsin Public Radio) The Federal Drug Administration recently finalized a rule change that allows pharmacies to start selling a drug that's used in abortions.

But in Wisconsin, where most abortions are illegal, the effect of the change is limited. Medication abortions are typically done within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy by taking a drug called mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Misoprotol, which is also used for things like preventing ulcers, has been available at pharmacies with a prescription. Mifepristone had to be dispensed in-person at a clinic, hospital or medical office, although there were stretches of time when the FDA didn't enforce those requirements because of litigation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the rule change adopted this month, pharmacies can get certified to dispense mifepristone, which would make the access to the drug more convenient in many states.

Michelle Velasquez, director of advocacy and services for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, says the shift is significant on a national level, even though it won't expand abortion access in Wisconsin.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.