Originally published Monday, July 7, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Editorial
Lift the Plan B ban
Lengthy litigation over Washington State Board of Pharmacy rules should not interfere with women's access to birth control, including emergency...
Lengthy litigation over Washington State Board of Pharmacy rules should not interfere with women's access to birth control, including emergency contraceptives.
Such interference has been the net effect of a federal judge's suspension of state rules requiring pharmacies to fill valid prescriptions, including those for so-called "Plan B" emergency contraceptives. This was an error.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ought to reverse the decision, lifting the injunction, when it takes up the issue on Tuesday.
When the pharmacy board adopted new rules last year, two pharmacists and the owner of a pharmacy sued on the grounds the rules were unconstitutional, forcing them to choose between their beliefs and their livelihoods.
That argument is a red herring giving subterfuge to a larger battle over emergency contraception. Few pharmacists turn prescriptions away now for moral or religious reasons. Indeed as a group, pharmacists have been key partners in strengthening women's access to contraception.
Pharmacists already exercise professional freedom. They can question prescriptions or refuse to dispense medication if it would conflict with other medications a patient is taking, or if the medicine is prescribed at dangerously high dosages. Pharmacists can refuse to fill prescriptions suspected of being forgeries or aiding chemical dependencies.
But they cannot use their authority to push personal views on others — particularly when a woman's health is at stake.
A poll by Planned Parenthood found 70 percent of those surveyed opposed allowing pharmacists to pick and choose prescriptions based on personal, moral and religious beliefs. Three-quarters of respondents view birth control and contraceptives — including emergency contraception — as basic health care for women.
A trial date on the constitutional challenges has been set for April. Women in this state should not have to wait nearly a year to find out whether pharmacies will meet their needs or turn them away. The 9th Circuit should lift the injunction.
While the matter winds through the courts, pharmacies should comply with the state rules.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 11:42 AM
Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: New York trial a propaganda coup for terrrorists
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: Conflicted about the death penalty — and I'm OK with that

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Monfort fired after excellent worker turned unreliable
- Sentence request for US woman in Italy murder case
- 31 years for man who killed girlfriend, then lit cigarette and waited for police
- Boeing facility death was suicide
- Mariners Blog | A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams
- Swedish threatens to end Regence BlueShield's contract
- Man shot in chest on E. Union Street in Capitol Hill
- Man falls 8 stories, suffers minor injuries
- Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
- Mariners Blog | Dustin Ackley to move to second base; Mariners add six to 40-man roster
- First key vote today on Senate health bill
165 - Senate vote clears hurdle
160 - Mariners add six to 40-man roster
123 - Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
84 - Man shot in Capitol Hill
77 - Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
69 - Case of accused "Street Mobb" pimp goes to jury
55 - Saturday links
48 - Bye week answers, volume four
46 - San Jose State post-game analysis
39
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Swedish threatens to end Regence BlueShield's contract
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- Restaurant review | Artisanal at The Bravern shows French flair in delicious style
- Seattle industrial artist Rusty Oliver is the man behind 'Smash Putt'
- Peruvian police: Gang killed people for their fat
- Great places to cross-country ski for free (or almost) in the Methow
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again





