Federal and State Laws Regarding Pharmacists Who Refuse to Dispense Contraceptives


 

Publication Date: October 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Law and ethics

Type:

Abstract:

This report provides an analysis of federal and state laws that govern whether or not pharmacists may refuse to fill valid prescriptions for birth control and emergency contraceptives. Such laws are sometimes referred to as "conscience clause" laws because they allow medical providers to refuse to provide services to which they have religious or moral objections. During the 109th Congress, legislators have introduced several bills that address this issue, including H.R. 1539, H.R. 1652, S. 778, and S. 809.