Nevada adds support for medication abortion access at major pharmacies

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada has joined several other states in supporting access to medication abortion at two major pharmacy retailers.

Attorney General Aaron Ford's office says the coalition welcomes the decision by CVS and Walgreens to start offering mifepristone and misoprostol, often referred to as abortion pills.

"There are some that have threatened legal repercussions to these companies, which is merely another effort to restrict the freedoms of Americans nationwide and to generate an aura of fear around reproductive health care," Ford said in a statement.

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Mifepristone is a drug that blocks a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When used withmisoprostol, it can end a pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.

Ford's office says the two drugs can also be used for treating miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and even gastric ulcers.

Several GOP attorneys general wrote to CVS and Walgreens this month warning them against mailing the two drugs within their jurisdictions.

Nevada joined 22 other states in arguing that they are legally allowed to dispense those drugs, which they emphasize are safe and reliable medications.