Pharmacists sue state over new Plan B rule

From Seattle, on July 26, 2007, the AP reports that pharmacists have sued the state over a new Plan B rule.  Here's an excerpt from the article, which is available at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/325351_planb27.html:

Pharmacists have sued the 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 in Seattle, a pharmacy owner and two pharmacists say the rule, which 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.

The state's Roman Catholic bishops and other opponents predicted a court challenge after the rule was adopted, saying the state was wrongly forcing pharmacists to administer medical treatments they consider immoral.

Gov. Chris 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.