LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — After more than a year of weighing its options, Costco has decided not to join the ranks of major retailers selling mifepristone, the first in a two-pill chemical process designed to terminate a pregnancy.

The decision, first reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by The Washington Post, follows pressure from a coalition of religious and conservative investors, including Alliance Defending Freedom and Inspire Investing, who urged the warehouse giant to steer clear of the abortion-inducing pill. 

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“By recognizing there was no customer demand and avoiding an ideological path, Costco steered clear of moral, legal, and business risks while staying true to its mission,” Tim Schwarzenberger, Inspire’s director of corporate engagement, said.

Mifepristone, approved by the FDA in 2000 and legal for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy, remains available in all 50 states via mail-order prescriptions—even in states with abortion bans. CVS and Walgreens began dispensing the pill last year after obtaining federal certification, and Costco’s decision leaves open whether other large chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons will follow suit.

Costco attributed its decision to “lack of demand” from members and patients. Michael Ross, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, called it “a step in the right direction” and said the group hopes to replicate the outcome at other chains.