CVS, Walmart, and Rite Aid announced last week that they would be capping the number of emergency contraceptive pills because of the surge in demand stemming from the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The pills were in short supply or out of stock on the retailers' websites on Monday morning, and now CVS and Rite Aid are limiting customers to three purchases of the product.
Walmart is capping the pills purchases at four or six this week. The retailer had some pills available without purchasing restrictions, but only for pills that wouldn't ship until next month.
CVS said it had plenty of pills online and in stores, but wanted to ensure equitable access and consistent supply on store shelves, according to the Wall Street Journal. Rite Aid said it was imposing limits due to the increase in demand. Walmart hasn't responded to reports of its limits on pills.
Walgreens initially said that there would be limits on the pills, but the company later revealed that the restriction was an error.
The pills, also known as morning-after pills, are often sold over-the-counter under the Plan B brand without an ID or prescription. The pills are supposed to be taken up to three days after a woman engages in unprotected sex. The medication can prevent ovulation and, failing that, may stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
They work by preventing ovulation or preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
The pills are different from abortion pills, which require a prescription and involve administering different pills over several weeks to terminate a pregnancy.
This comes after the Supreme Court ruled on Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade, so states can now make their own laws regarding the legality of abortion.
Some social media users have urged women to stockpile contraceptive pills in the days following the ruling, while others cautioned against the move in fear that those in immediate need wouldn't have access. Planned Parenthood encouraged women not to stockpile the pills because they have a limited shelf life.