The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy handed down a ruling on Tuesday ordering Wal-Mart stores in the state to stock the 'Plan B' or 'morning after pill.' Three Massachusetts women had filed suits against Wal-Mart for refusing to fill their prescriptions.
The lawsuit was filed by Julie Battel, Katrina McCarty and Rebekah Gee earlier this month.
The board concluded that 'Plan B' should be stocked based on a regulation that all pharmacies are to dispense 'commonly prescribed medications in accordance with the usual needs of the community.'
The decision gave Wal-Mart until Thursday to comply with the ruling. Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogelman said the company plans to comply with the board's ruling. Fogelman described Wal-Mart's decision not to carry the pill as being purely a 'business decision.' He added that the company was 'actively thinking through' the possibility of all Wal-Mart stores carrying the drug nationwide. Presently, only Wal-Mart stores in Illinois carry 'Plan B.'
The 'morning after pill' is considered an emergency form of contraception. It must be taken within 72 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
Anti-abortion advocates have opposed the drug because it can terminate a pregnancy after conception. Marie Sturgis, the executive director of Massachusetts Citizens For Life described the pill as a 'chemical abortion' in an interview with the 'Boston Globe.'
The three plaintiffs were pleased with the decision. Sam Perkins, the attorney for the three plaintiffs indicated that the lawsuit would continue to the three women can obtain court costs and attorney's fees.
