The statement said the conditions referred to in the complaint were unrelated to abortion, adding: “Millions of people across the country are taking methotrexate to treat chronic conditions such as cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. I am taking it. This drug can be used off-label.” It is given in very high doses to treat miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. ”
As reported by CNN, In October 2022, Department of Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said the Department of Health was investigating chain pharmacies over complaints, resulting in the Department of Health’s Civil Rights Office conducting a compliance review of CVS and Walgreens. said.
The Office of Civil Rights said in a statement Friday that the actions of Walgreens and CVS resolved complaints filed against the pharmacy company.
“Timely access to medicine is critical for all Americans, including women with disabilities and those who have had a miscarriage, and we are taking steps to ensure that they are not discriminated against when receiving care. I’ve been here,” said HHS Civil Affairs Director Melanie Fontes Reiner. Your rights are stated in a statement. “The reversal of Roe v. Wade is wreaking havoc on the healthcare system, including pharmacies, and providers are suddenly being asked not only to provide medical care, but to become legal experts in navigating patchwork abortion bans. Women with disabilities, who have had a miscarriage, or who are seeking contraception should not be delayed or discriminated against simply because of their sex. We are taking voluntary steps to help people navigate this new reality.”
The new procedures for pharmacies include the use of special teams to provide internal guidance and respond to complaints, the creation of a direct channel for customers to submit complaints, and new procedures for reproductive health care, the OCR said in a statement. training and monitoring of medication refusals related to reproductive health care.
The voluntary actions of Walgreens and CVS require them to dispense medicines for the purpose of abortion, the statement said. The procedure also includes a pledge by both companies to “assess potential considerations when pharmacy colleagues object to dispensing prescriptions.”
In July last year, the OCR told pharmacies, “As recipients of federal financial assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid payments, pharmacies should make decisions based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, and disability in programs and activities. Discrimination is prohibited by law.” Pharmacies have a duty not to discriminate on these grounds when it comes to supplying legally prescribed drugs, determining the suitability of prescription drugs for patients, and advising patients about prescription drugs and how to take them. ”
Walgreens declined to comment. CVS did not immediately respond to Crane’s request for comment.
“We have a long history of supporting and advancing women’s health and are pleased that the Civil Rights Administration has closed its investigation,” a CVS spokesperson told CNN in a statement. We formulate prescriptions for FDA-approved medicines in compliance with state and federal laws, provide convenient access to pharmacy care for all patients, and respond to service issues that may arise in a timely manner. We are still working on resolving it. ”
