Walmart and Costco Pressured by Faith-Based Investor Groups Over Mifepristone Sales
Abortion Access: Walmart, Costco Pressured by Investor Group Over Mifepristone. In a targeted campaign, religious investors sent letters to several US retail chains expressing their opposition. Walmart, Costco Pressured by Faith Groups Over Abortion Pill highlights the growing tension between corporate offerings and conservative values.
Context of the Anti-Abortion Push
This effort is part of broader anti-abortion push by conservatives. Specifically, the pressure from faith-based groups against the abortion drug is part of a broader effort by conservative groups to push back against progressive investors in areas that include environmental activism, diversity and LGBTQ initiatives.
Warnings Issued to Major Retailers
A group of faith-based investors are warning some of the largest US retailers including Costco Wholesale Corp. and Walmart Inc. against selling the abortion pill mifepristone. The warning states that companies offering the drug risk reputation and legal repercussions, according to an Aug. 2 letter sent to chief executive officers at the two retail giants, as well as the following organizations:
- Kroger Co.
- Albertsons Co.
- McKesson Corp. (medical distribution company)
Potential Business Consequences and Customer Reaction
There are already signs of consumer pushback regarding this issue. For instance, the group said 6,000 Costco customers have signed a petition saying they will cancel their membership if the retailer starts selling the pills.