Politics
Tuesday June 12, 2007
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No Freedom of Conscience for Pharmacists Says Bill Passed by New Jersey Legislature
Explicitly prohibits not filling prescription "due to sincerely held moral, philosophical or religious beliefs”
By John Jalsevac
TRENTON, N.J., June 12, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A bill passed yesterday by the New Jersey legislature requires pharmacists to fill all prescriptions, even if doing so violates the religious or personal beliefs of the pharmacist.
The bill passed with a vote of 56-18. Currently it only awaits the signature of Gov. Jon Corzine in order to become law, as it was already passed by the Senate last June.
The official text of the bill reads: “A pharmacy practice site has a duty to properly fill lawful prescriptions for prescription drugs or devices that it carries for customers, without undue delay, despite any conflicts of employees to filling a prescription and dispensing a particular prescription drug or device due to sincerely held moral, philosophical or religious beliefs.”
The legislation also ensures that pharmacists are unable to escape the issue by not stocking controversial drugs—as some pharmacists have done in other states—by specifying that if a pharmacy does not have the prescribed drug or device in stock, then the pharmacy must either order the drug or device for the patient, or refer the patient to another pharmacy that is able to fill the prescription.
Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Union), who introduced the bill, defended the piece of legislation saying, “Democracy guarantees us the right to hold our own moral or religious beliefs, but under no circumstances should a pharmacist’s personal beliefs impede a patient’s ability to obtain their prescribed medicines…For any pharmacists to knowingly prevent access to health care is almost unconscionable.”
The bill has received the most opposition from pro-life and religious groups, who are concerned in particular that pharmacists will be required to prescribe drugs, such as the so-called “Morning After Pill,” that cause abortions. Marie Tasy, the legislative affairs director for New Jersey Right to Life condemned the bill as discriminatory. “It discriminates against pharmacists,” said Tasy. “It says if you have religious beliefs, you need not apply.”
Assemblyman John Rooney was also opposed to the bill on the grounds of religious freedom. “We should not be telling people they do not have a right to practice their religion,” said Rooney according to The Star-Ledger.
The legislation does not make it clear what the penalty will be for pharmacists who choose to follow their consciences in refusing to dispense certain drugs or devices. In other states pharmacists who have violated similar legislation have lost their jobs and/or faced stiff fines.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Target Pharmacist Fired for Refusing to Dispense Abortifacient Morning-After Pill
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jan/06012703.html
Walgreens Disciplines Four Pharmacists for Refusing Abortifacient Morning-After Pill Prescriptions
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/dec/05120102.html
Illinois Governor Mandates Pharmacists Dispense Abortion Causing Morning-After Pills or Face Consequence
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/apr/05041203.html
Wisconsin Judge Wants Punishment for Catholic Pharmacist
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/mar/05030209.html
Wisconsin Files Complaint Against Pharmacist For Refusing Abortifacient Prescription
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/mar/04031608.html
Christian Pharmacist Still Fighting Charge of Unprofessional Conduct over Contraceptives
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/sep/04092904.html
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