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WA Pharmacists Must Dispense Plan B Despite Beliefs

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A federal appeals court has ruled that pharmacists in Washington state have to provide Plan B and other abortion-inducing drugs, even if it violates their religious beliefs.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state's controversial pharmacy regulations, ruling against two individual pharmacists and one family-owned pharmacy.

Those pharmacists have been referring patients to dozens of nearby pharmacies for those drugs.

"With 33 pharmacies stocking the drug within five miles of our store, it is extremely disappointing that the court and the state demand that we violate our conscience or lose our family business," pharmacist Kevin Stormans said.

The state does allow pharmacies to refer patients elsewhere when there are economic or safety concerns, but makes it illegal to refer patients for reasons of conscience.

"No one should be forced to choose between their religious convictions and their family businesses and livelihoods, particularly when the state allows referrals for just about any other reason," Kristen Waggoner, a senior vice president with the Alliance Defending Freedom, said.

Waggoner points out that all 49 other U.S. states allow pharmacists to make referrals in order to follow their conscience.

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