Thursday, June 07, 2007

A bill to force pharmacies to offer emergency birth control

Even if they have a moral objection to do so:

Congressional Democrats and other advocates of emergency contraception on Wednesday introduced a bill that would require pharmacies to offer emergency birth control, even if the pharmacists object to doing so on moral grounds.

Emergency contraception, also referred to as the "morning after pill" or "Plan B," is available without a prescription to women 18 and older. The two-pill package prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in a woman's uterus, and pro-life advocates consider that a form of abortion.

Some pro-life pharmacists have come under fire for refusing to offer the pills because of their personal moral objections. The Access to Birth Control Act, introduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and in the Senate by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), would require pharmacies that carry contraceptives to offer Plan B.

[...]

The proposal would require pharmacies to "ensure that the contraceptive is provided to the customer without delay." If the pills are out of stock, pharmacies would be required to order them for the customer, or refer them to another pharmacy that stocks Plan B.

[...]

The bill says pharmacy employees may not "intimidate, threaten, or harass customers in the delivery of services relating to a request for contraception" or "interfere with or obstruct the delivery of services relating to a request for contraception."

Penalties would include a $5,000 fine for each day a violation occurs. The legislation would also allow women denied Plan B to sue pharmacies for damages in civil court.
The Democrats are quick to force and intimidate people when they are in the majority. Just wait for the legislation when there's a Democrat in the White House.