ISSAQUAH, Washington: Costco Wholesale will end sales of the abortion pill mifepristone at all of its more than 500 U.S. pharmacy locations, citing limited demand from customers and patients.

In a statement, the retailer said its decision "has not changed" and was based on the observation that most patients obtain the drug directly from their healthcare providers.

The move comes as anti-abortion activist groups, including Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom, have campaigned to pressure major retailers to stop carrying the medication. Similar campaigns targeted Costco, Kroger, Walmart, and Albertsons last year. They are now shifting focus to Walgreens and CVS Health, which continue dispensing the pill in states where it remains legal.

"Many retailers have become more cautious about taking overt political or social stances after recent controversies triggered boycotts, negative media coverage, and polarized consumer reactions," said Arun Sundaram, senior analyst at CFRA.

Walgreens notes on its website that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on mifepristone access allows it to continue dispensing the drug under FDA guidelines. Kroger said it is reviewing the FDA's updated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for the medication, while CVS told Reuters it fills mifepristone prescriptions in select states where it is legally permitted. Walmart declined to comment.

Mifepristone, approved by the FDA in 2000 for use with misoprostol, ends early pregnancies of up to 10 weeks. The drug works by blocking progesterone, a hormone that supports the uterine lining during pregnancy; misoprostol is taken afterward to complete the process.

Danco Laboratories, which manufactures the mifepristone regimen, did not respond to a request for comment.