Originally published July 27, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified July 27, 2007 at 2:07 AM
Plan B rule sparks lawsuit from pharmacists
Pharmacists have sued Washington state over a new regulation that requires the sale of emergency contraception, also known as the "morning-after...
The Associated Press
Pharmacists have sued Washington state over a new regulation that requires the sale of emergency contraception, also known as the "morning-after pill."
In a lawsuit filed in federal court, a pharmacy owner and two pharmacists say the rule that took effect Thursday violates their civil rights by forcing them into "choosing between their livelihoods and their deeply held religious and moral beliefs."
The state ruled earlier this year that druggists who believe emergency contraceptives are tantamount to abortion can't stand in the way of a patient's right to the drugs.
Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire, who brokered a compromise on the contraceptive rule and pressured the state Board of Pharmacy to adopt it, said she stands behind the regulation.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed Wednesday are pharmacists Rhonda Mesler and Margo Thelen, and Stormans Inc., the owners of Ralph's Thriftway in Olympia, a grocery store that includes a pharmacy.
Sold as Plan B, the emergency contraceptive can lower the risk of pregnancy by as much as 89 percent if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Some critics consider the pill related to abortion, although it is different from the abortion pill RU-486 and has no effect on women who already are pregnant.
The federal Food and Drug Administration made the morning-after pill available over the counter to adults last year. Washington state also allows the pill to be distributed without a prescription.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
Danny Westneat: Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
Parents want answers on new Seattle school boundaries
3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
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
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- U.S. House passes health plan
365 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
337 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
247 - Decision day for health care in the House
211 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
161 - Grading the game
158 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
84 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
81 - Game thread: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 8
74 - Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs
68
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- How do innovators think?
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor





