The Facts
On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted that the state would cease doing business with Walgreens after the pharmacy chain announced that it wouldn't dispense abortion pills in 20 Republican states.
Walgreens made the announcement on Thursday, saying it wouldn't dispense mifepristone, a pill often used for abortions, following a letter from the states' Republican attorneys general explaining that the company could be breaking the law by dispensing the pill by mail.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Republicans are stooping to bullying in order to expand abortion bans beyond their legal reach. It's going to be difficult for pharmacies to deal with threats like these and navigate areas where state and federal laws conflict, but they should know that the Justice Department has their backs against any legal action taken by these attorneys general or lawmakers.
Republican narrative
It's reassuring to see Walgreens responding to the concerns of pro-life citizens and states advocating for the rights of unborn children. The Biden admin. might think mail-order pills are a way around state laws, but that just means states will have to hold companies accountable, as they are doing.
