California not renewing Walgreens contract over abortion pills

California will not renew a multi-million dollar contract with Walgreens after the company said it would not sell abortion pills in 21 states.

“California will not stand by while corporations give in to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. “California is on track to become the world’s fourth largest economy and we will use our bargaining power to protect choice.”

A contract between Walgreens and the California Department of General Services allowed the state to purchase specialty prescription drugs from pharmacies that are primarily used by the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The state’s Department of General Services announced on Wednesday that it was canceling a planned renewal of the agreement, which was due to take effect May 1. Instead, the state will explore other options.