In a world where reproductive healthcare is still a controversial topic, women’s voices are more important than ever. And right now, they’re speaking out against one of the biggest pharmacy chains in the United States: Walgreens. With accusations of discriminatory practices and limited access to contraception and other vital reproductive services, these women have had enough. Here’s what you need to know about this contentious issue – and why it matters for everyone who values equality and fairness in healthcare.
Walgreens’ history of discriminatory practices
Founded in 1901, Walgreens has a long history of discriminatory practices against women. In the early 1900s, Walgreens began to require employees to take pregnancy tests and to fire those who became pregnant. This policy continued into the 1970s, when Walgreens also required employees to take birth control pills and to have abortions if they became pregnant. In addition, Walgreens has a history of refusing to fill prescriptions for birth control and other reproductive health care products. In 2001, Walgreens was sued for discriminating against women in its health insurance plans. The suit alleged that Walgreens’ health insurance plans did not cover prescription contraceptives, while covering Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs. In 2009, another lawsuit was filed alleging that Walgreens illegally fired two employees who refused to take a pregnancy test.
Walgreens’ history of discriminatory practices extends beyond reproductive healthcare. In 2002, the company was sued for racial discrimination after it was revealed that black employees were being paid less than white employees. In 2006, Walgreens agreed to pay $3 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that the company had engaged in sex discrimination by denying jobs to qualified female applicants.
How Walgreens’ policies have harmed women
Walgreens has been under fire for its discriminatory practices in reproductive healthcare. Women have shared their stories of how Walgreens’ policies have harmed them and prevented them from getting the care they need.
One woman, Jody, was told by her Walgreens pharmacist that they would not fill her prescription for birth control because it was against their policy. Jody had to drive to another pharmacy to get her prescription filled. Another woman, Sarah, was denied a morning-after pill by her Walgreens pharmacist, who said it was against company policy. Sarah ended up having to go to an emergency room to get the pill.
These stories illustrate how Walgreens’ policies can harm women by preventing them from getting the care they need. These policies also put an undue burden on women, who often have to go out of their way to find another pharmacy that will fill their prescription or provide them with the services they need.
Women speak out against Walgreens
Since Walgreens announced that it would be acquiring Rite Aid, there has been a growing chorus of women’s voices speaking out against the company’s discriminatory practices in reproductive healthcare.
Walgreens has a long history of denying women access to contraception and other vital reproductive health services. In 2006, Walgreens was one of several pharmacies that refused to fill prescriptions for the emergency contraceptive Plan B. In 2011, Walgreens again made headlines when it refused to sell birth control pills to a 17-year-old girl in Illinois.
Most recently, in 2016, Walgreens came under fire for its decision to stop covering contraceptives for employees under its health insurance plans. This move would have left many women without access to affordable birth control. After public outcry, Walgreens reversed its decision, but the damage was done.
These are just some of the examples of how Walgreens has consistently put profits ahead of women’s health and wellbeing. And now that the company is on the verge of becoming one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, we need to speak out louder than ever before.
We demand that Walgreens end its discriminatory practices and make reproductive healthcare a priority. All women should have access to affordable contraception and other vital health services, no matter where they shop.
