15 States Push Back Against NYC Comptroller’s Pressure on Retail Pharmacies Over Abortion Medication

This past summer, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander issued letters to major retail pharmacy chains such as Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Albertsons, and McKesson, urging them to “[d]istribute abortion medications or risk damaging investor trust,” and called for them to “begin dispensing mifepristone immediately.” These letters were published on Lander’s website, sparking a response from financial officers across 15 states.

In a letter addressed to Costco CEO Ron Vachris, the coalition of finance officers stated, “The Comptroller’s actions represent an overt attempt to politicize Costco’s business operations without regard for the company’s financial interests.” They argued that Lander’s demands overlook the complex business decisions involved in determining product offerings—decisions that, in their view, should be made by Costco’s leadership based on customer needs and preferences.

They further contended that Lander’s pressure to stock abortion pills is driven by a political agenda, not consumer demand. “We believe these actions are inappropriate,” the letter read. “This is an attempt to impose political views onto the commercial sector, with little consideration for the businesses or their shareholders.”

The letter was signed by financial officers from 15 states, including Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Indiana, Wyoming, and Texas.

According to a press release on Lander’s website, he suggested that companies could face investment risks if they refused to carry abortion medications. “In letters sent to their CEOs, Comptroller Lander warns that companies could jeopardize investor confidence if they fail to offer accessible reproductive healthcare in a timely manner,” the press release stated. Lander emphasized that New York City’s pension systems hold over $1.32 billion in shares across these companies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently updated its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) safety guidelines, allowing retail pharmacies to dispense the abortion drug mifepristone (Mifeprex) after completing a certification process. Lander has a long history of advocating for abortion rights, and his wife has held various positions at Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, including roles such as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Chief Strategy Officer, and General Counsel over a nine-year period.

At Mediserv Pharmacy, a local Bronx-based pharmacy in New York, we pride ourselves on providing personalized healthcare services that cater to the needs of our community. As the discussion around access to reproductive healthcare and medications continues to grow, our focus remains on delivering compassionate care and maintaining trust with our patients. Whether you’re seeking expert guidance or looking for specific medications, Mediserv Pharmacy is here to serve our Bronx neighbors with professionalism and care. Visit mediservpharmacy.com for more information on our services.