[JURIST] Three Massachusetts women on Wednesday filed suit against Wal-Mart [corporate website], alleging that the retail chain is in violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act [text] because their pharmacies do not stock emergency contraception. The law states that all pharmacies in the state must provide all "commonly prescribed" medications. Last year, the Massachusetts legislature passed a law [text; JURIST report] which requires all hospitals to stock emergency contraception and allows pharmacists to dispense the drug without a prescription. The law does not, however, require pharmacies to carry emergency contraception. The women, joined by Planned Parenthood Massachusetts [advocacy website], NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts [advocacy website; news release], and Jane Doe Inc. [advocacy website] are seeking a court order from the Suffolk Superior Court to require Wal-Mart to stock emergency contraception in all 44 of their Massachusetts pharmacies. AP has more.
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