NWLC Announces Settlement with CVS Pharmacy in Miscarriage Medication Dispute

SAN DIEGO, CA – San Diego resident Angela Costales and CVS Pharmacy have reached a settlement in a dispute concerning the dispensing of misoprostol, a medication that is used for abortion, miscarriage management, and other purposes, at a CVS Pharmacy in San Diego. Ms. Costales is represented by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) and Fenwick & West LLP. 

Ms. Costales alleged that she experienced an improper religious refusal to dispense her lawfully prescribed medication, in violation of California and federal law. CVS Pharmacy disputed the allegations and maintained that it has robust and resilient policies for dispensing lawfully prescribed medications in a timely manner.  Both parties wished to resolve the matter without prolonged litigation and entered into a mutually agreeable settlement, the terms of which are confidential.  

CVS Pharmacy is committed to ensuring that its customers have access to lawfully-prescribed medications, while also providing reasonable accommodations for employee’s religious beliefs.  Customers who experience issues that cannot be resolved at their local pharmacy can call 1-800-SHOP-CVS. 

NWLC remains committed to ensuring that everyone can access the reproductive healthcare they need without barriers. Anyone with a complaint about a pharmacist’s or pharmacy’s refusal to fill their prescription related to reproductive care, including birth control, is welcome to reach out to NWLC to share their story.