Project Four

616 E. College Ave.
State College, PA 16801

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

To Whom It May Concern:

It has come to my attention that Walmart pharmacies will not fill prescriptions for emergency contraceptives. That is a sexist decision–it is completely anti-female. I think it is important for you to realize that the focus of feminism is us sexism, and women who fight for the feminist cause are only trying to bring women up to the status of men. How can this possibly happen if pharmacies like yours are going to deny women their prescriptions? Do you deny any to men? Emergency Contraceptives are not illegal, so until they are (if they should ever be), you have a responsibility to provide equal access to them for all women.

To whom it may concern:
I have come to realize that your pharmacy department refuses to distribute the morning after pill (and other emergency contraceptives) out of what you feel is a moral obligation. I understand that you try to be a family oriented business that has a conservative view but I must implore you to look at the other side of this issue and consider a change in your policy. You have a tremendous leverage over the nation’s communities based on your hours of availability and the overall size of your company. You have a responsibility to the public that has made Wal-Mart what it is today. Instead of refusing the day after pill and other emergency contraceptives allow them to be distributed but then take an active roll in the sexual education of young people; you still get your views across but the people who need care can still receive it. I understand your right to make this decision but you must look at the greater good that can be done for the community and act.

Lee Scott
Chief Executive Officer
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

Mr. Scott:

As Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest retail organizations, you are faced with difficult decisions every day. I applaud Walmart’s decision, made effective March 30, 2006, to begin carrying emergency contraception pills at locations with pharmacies.

Pharmacists employed by Walmart, of course, do have the right to choose not to dispense this medication by invoking the “conscience clause.” As a national corporation, I realize state laws mandate behaviors of pharmacists.

Emergency Contraception (a.k.a. the morning after pill, EC, Plan B) is a legal medication that prevents conception when taken within 72 hours of intercourse. It is available with a doctor's prescription from a number of pharmacies around the country. Unfortunately, many prescriptions go unfilled as pharmacists make refusals based on religious or moral beliefs.

Your task is to add data to our interactive Emergency Contraception Inventory List. (here) Choose 5 pharmacies in the Centre County region (using the phonebook, the web, etc.) Call each of these pharmacies and ask “Do you fill prescriptions for Emergency Contraception?” Log in to the inventory list for each one and enter your findings along with the name, address and phone number of the pharmacies you contacted.

CVS Pharmacy
(814) 355-7471
127 S Potter St, Bellefonte, PA
Do they fill emergency contraceptive: yes, by prescription

Parrish Apothecary Shop
(814) 355-2914
114 N Allegheny St, Bellefonte, PA
Do they fill emergency contraceptive: yes, although they have never had one, they would do it by prescription

Eckerd Drugs
(814) 355-1537
92 1/2 E Bishop St, Bellefonte, PA
Do they fill emergency contraceptive: yes, by prescription