Three women from Massachusetts won a “victory” against Wal-Mart this week by forcing the retailer to sell the “morning after pill.” But the unfortunate consequence of this action in isolation, is that it sends the message to women that its OK now to shop at a Wal-Mart pharmacy, because they sell the pill. A loftier political message would be, “shop anywhere for the morning after pill but Wal-Mart, because this company exploits its women workers, sources products from sweatshops comprised mainly of low-income Third World women, and is basically a company that is unfriendly to progressive women’s issues, from public education to equal wages.” The lawsuit was supported by Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and Jane Doe Inc. These groups said Wal-Mart was violating a state policy that requires pharmacies to provide all “commonly prescribed medicines.” “Massachusetts pharmacies are required to stock all medications that are commonly prescribed to meet the usual needs of the community,” a lawyer for the women said. After the state’s Attorney General told Wal-Mart to offer the pill, Wal-Mart caved. The three plaintiffs were all denied the medication when they tried to buy emergency contraception pills at area Wal-Marts. “I did this on behalf of my patients,” said one of the plaintiffs, who is a doctor completing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Women shouldn’t be refused needed medication.”
At this point, the three women should step forward and urge women across Massachusetts and across the nation to avoid shopping at Wal-Mart until the company settles its gender discrimination lawsuit brought by thousands of its own female workers, and agrees to stop hiring sweatshop contractors to produce its goods. Otherwise, this victory turns into a politically confusing message.
