Washington State Gov. Gregoire proposes compromise that would allow individual pharmacists to refuse to fill prescription, nonprescription EC

Sep 1 2006

Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) has proposed a compromise that would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescription and nonprescription emergency contraceptives only if the drugs can be provided by another pharmacist in the same pharmacy, the AP/Seattle Times reports.

EC can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

According to the AP/Times, the compromise comes in light of a "stalemate" between women's advocacy groups and the Washington State Pharmacy Association over the language of a proposed rule that would allow pharmacists who oppose EC to refuse to fill prescriptions for the medication (Woodward, AP/Seattle Times, 8/30).

The proposed rule also says that pharmacists cannot "obstruct a patient in obtaining a lawfully prescribed drug or device" and that they must make an alternative available in a timely fashion if they "cannot dispense" a prescription (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 7/24).

Gregoire's office said the state pharmacy association has agreed to the proposal. According to Nancy Sapiro, an attorney for the Northwest Women's Law Center, women's advocacy groups also agreed to the compromise.

The state Board of Pharmacy on Thursday will hold a meeting, at which they might adopt the proposal, according to Christina Hulet, Gregoire's health policy advisor (AP/Seattle Times, 8/30).