Ben wrote:
> Hyerdahl wrote:
> > Updated: 09:08 AM EST
> > Illinois Druggists Must Dispense Birth Control
> > By MAURA KELLY LANNAN, AP
> >
> > CHICAGO (April 2) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich approved an emergency rule
> > Friday requiring pharmacies to fill birth control prescriptions
> quickly after a Chicago pharmacist refused to fill an order because
of moral opposition to the drug.
> >
> > The emergency rule takes effect immediately for 150 days while the
> > administration seeks a permanent rule.
> >
> > "Our regulation says that if a woman goes to a pharmacy with a
> > prescription for birth control, the pharmacy or the pharmacist is
not
> > allowed to discriminate or to choose who he sells it to,''
> Blagojevich
> > said. "No delays. No hassles. No lectures.''
> >
> > Under the new rule, if a pharmacist does not fill the prescription
> > because of a moral objection, another pharmacist must be available
to
> > fill it without delay.
> >
> > The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
has
> > also filed a formal complaint against the Chicago Osco pharmacy for
> the
> > Feb. 23 incident.
> >
> > The pharmacy was cited for "failing to provide appropriate
> > pharmaceutical care to a patient.'' Penalties could include a fine,
> > reprimand or revocation of the pharmacy's license.
> >
> > An Osco spokeswoman did not immediately return a call Friday.
> >
> > Steve Trombley, CEO for Planned Parenthood in Chicago, praised the
> > state's efforts.
> >
> > "When medical professionals write prescriptions for their patients,
> > they are acting in their patients' best interests,'' Trombley said.
> "A
> > pharmacist's personal views cannot intrude on the relationship
> between
> > a woman and her doctor.''
> >
> > The Chicago pharmacist was not the first to attract attention for
> > refusing to fill a birth control prescription.
> >
> > In February, a judge recommended that a Roman Catholic pharmacist
in
> > Wisconsin be reprimanded and required to attend ethics classes
after
> > the pharmacist blocked a woman's attempt to fill a prescription for
> > birth control pills in 2002.
>
> Well, Hy, here's something for you to mark in your calendar--I agree
> with the governor and with Trombley, so apparently, I agree with you.
> It's not the pharmacist's decision as to whether or not to fill a
> lawful prescription.  If he objects that strongly, I'd recommend a
> career change.

Wow!  I'm ...stunned!  When was the last time you found me speechless?



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