Some national retailers are putting purchase limits on over-the-counter emergency contraceptives, also known as morning-after pills or Plan B, as demand surges after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision reversing Roe v. Wade last week.
Walmart, CVS, and Rite Aid are all limiting purchases of the pills, according to the Wall Street Journal. CVS and Rite Aid have set a limit of three, while Walmart put a cap of four or six on pills available this week, but no limit on emergency contraceptives that won’t ship until next month.
The limits come as people who could become pregnant stock up on emergency contraceptives now that abortion is illegal in many states. CVS stated that this is a temporary measure to ensure equitable access, while Rite Aid chalked up the limits to increased demand.
Over-the-counter emergency contraceptives work by preventing ovulation or implantation of the egg in the uterine wall if taken within three days of unprotected sex or birth control failure. Several companies manufacture the product, which typically sells for about $40 and can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription.
