CVS Health and Walgreens, two prominent drugstore chains, are set to distribute an abortion medication in select states in the coming weeks.

CVS Health plans to begin filling mifepristone prescriptions in Rhode Island and soon after in neighboring Massachusetts, according to spokesperson Amy Thibault on Friday.

According to Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman, the medication will be distributed by the company starting in one week. This distribution will begin at select locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois.

The company will initially launch in specific locations to ensure the well-being and security of our patients, providers, and team members.

Thibault stated that CVS Health plans to gradually expand to additional states in accordance with local laws.

Initially, the retailers’ intentions were disclosed by The New York Times.

CVS Health Corp. operates around 9,400 drugstore chain stores, making it the biggest in the country. Meanwhile, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. has approximately 8,700 locations within the U.S.

In a statement, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the announcements made on Friday were a significant step in guaranteeing accessibility to mifepristone. He mentioned that women will soon have the option to collect their prescriptions from certified local pharmacies, just as they would for any other medication.

He stated that he urges all pharmacies that are interested in this possibility to obtain certification.

CVS and Walgreens have made these changes more than a year after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented a rule that increased access to abortion pills at pharmacies, including major chains and mail-order businesses.

In the year 2000, the FDA approved the use of mifepristone and misoprostol as a medication for ending pregnancies up to 10 weeks.

Mifepristone is taken first to dilate the cervix and block the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue.

The FDA’s labeling restricted distribution to only certain specialty offices and clinics for over two decades due to safety worries.

The Supreme Court of the United States is considering a petition from conservative organizations aiming to repeal the approval of mifepristone or reverse policies that have simplified its access.