I know that we live in one of the most reactionary states in the nation. Being in Texas, and being fairly liberal in mindset, means that we're often pretty frustrated by our local newscast. But now, there's a bill currently in committee in our state house that is just so ridiculous, so beyond the pale that I felt it had to be a joke when I first heard it. Then I find out that Texas is not the only state that is considering some version of the bill, and that some states have already passed it into law.
This bill would allow pharmacists who have a moral objection to filling certain perscriptions to legally refuse to dispense medications prescribed by a doctor. Of course, it's targeted at both emergency contraception and the birth control pill, but it could have wider ramifications for antibiotics, pain medication, whatever. I'm just so shocked and chagrined by all of this... I mean, isn't it the job of a pharmacist to fill prescriptions that a doctor prescribes to their patients? Isn't that the job definition?
If you don't want to fulfill the parameters of your job, then get a new one. Don't penalize people who are trying to fill legally acquired prescriptions, just because you don't believe they have a right to take their medication. Plus, how do you know the reason people are on the pill? There are all sorts of reasons people take hormonal birth control besides trying to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Assholes.
Here's a link to a more in depth article in the Dallas Morning News. You may have to register to read it, and I don't know how long they'll keep it up; hopefully for a while. It's mostly about a small town 30 miles east of El Paso, which has one pharmacy to fill prescriptions. And the guy won't fill orders for birth control. Yipes.
Girlie
