"Police's Warrantless Access to Pharmacy Records Raises Concerns at Major Retailers"
A congressional investigation has revealed that major pharmacy chains in the United States, including CVS Health, Kroger, and Rite Aid, have been sharing Americans' prescription records with law enforcement and government investigators without requiring a warrant. This practice raises concerns about the privacy of medical information. While some chains have their lawyers review law enforcement requests, others allow pharmacy staff members to hand over customers' medical records in-store. The revelation comes at a time when the debate over privacy expectations is heightened due to the criminalization of abortion and reproductive health-related drugs in certain states. The investigation calls for stronger privacy protections and transparency in the handling of medical data by pharmacies.