WTHR |Lawmakers debate pharmacist refusal bill

Lawmakers debate pharmacist refusal bill

Updated:

Indianapolis - Indiana lawmakers are debating a bill over a pharmacists right to not dispense certain drugs.

Senator Jeff Drozda introduced the bill before the General Assembly Wednesday.

It would allow a pharmacist to choose not to dispense a drug or medical device if the pharmacist believes it could be used to cause an abortion or destroy an unborn child or be used for assisted suicide, euthanasia, or a mercy killing. The law is based on the personal beliefs of the pharmacist and states that the pharmacist's employer could not take action against him or her for refusing to fill a prescription for those reasons.

Some lawmakers are concerned the bill is not specific enough about what drugs it covers, and could include contraceptives. Opponents say pharmacist refusal laws are problematic particularly for women in rural areas who may be unable to drive to another pharmacy to get an emergency contraceptive prescription filled. They also say it allows a third party's personal beliefs to interfere with the patient-doctor relationship.

See a map of states showing various pharmacy policies

You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register
Comments
Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register
See all comments
Close windowBranding

Lawmakers debate pharmacist refusal bill

Close window
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2002 - 2009 WorldNow and WTHR. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.It is the policy of The Dispatch Broadcast Group to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, military status, citizenship or any other legally-protected status in accordance with applicable local, state and federal law. Jobs at WTHR EEO Public File Report