Illinois pharmacist sues to avoid filling ‘morning-after pill’ prescriptions News
Illinois pharmacist sues to avoid filling ‘morning-after pill’ prescriptions

[JURIST] Illinois pharmacist Luke Vander Bleek has filed suit to oppose a state order that the emergency contraceptive "morning-after pill" be made available immediately. Vander Bleek, a Roman Catholic who owns two pharmacies, claims that the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act [text] that allows health care providers to opt out of procedures they object to for moral reasons, allows him to refrain from selling certain contraceptives. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich [official website] issued a rule April 1, 2005 demanding that pharmacists make the pill available [press release] "without delay." Blagojevich's spokeswoman said that once a pharmacist begins selling some contraceptives he must sell all products in that category regardless of moral beliefs. Two other Illinois pharmacists [AP report] filed a similar suit in April, soon after the order was issued. Vander Bleek is represented in the current litigation by Americans United for Life [advocacy website], who have issued this press release and have posted a copy of the complaint [PDF]. Reuters has more.