Appeals court rules pharmacists can't deny medicine because of religious beliefs

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/07/30/1407343/-Appeals-court-rules-pharmacists-can-t-deny-medicine-because-of-religious-beliefs


A momentary reprieve but as the article says--it is not over




Thu Jul 30, 2015 at 02:16 PM PDT


Appeals court rules pharmacists can't deny medicine because of religious beliefs

by Walter Einenkel


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The Pill contraceptive in round case



It has been a few years of disappointing legal decisions concerning a pharmacist's ability to deny medications (specifically Plan B contraception) on the basis that it conflicts with their religious beliefs. Last week however, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overturned an important ruling in Washington state, that had said it was okay for pharmacists to refuse a patient medicine.

In Washington, the state permits a religiously objecting individual pharmacist to deny medicine, so long as another pharmacist working there provides timely delivery. The rules require a pharmacy to deliver all medicine, even if the owner objects.

A unanimous three-judge 9th Circuit panel on Thursday decided that the rules are constitutional because they rationally further the state's interest in patient safety. Speed is particularly important considering the time-sensitive nature of emergency contraception, the court said.

"The time taken to travel to another pharmacy, especially in rural areas where pharmacies are sparse, may reduce the efficacy of those drugs," wrote Judge Susan Graber.

This won't end the legal battle, but it is a victory for those of us who believe women's rights are more important than people excusing their hubris by saying they know God better than someone else.

The store and pharm