Protecting Pharmacists from Discrimination

I have said many times that the next area of litigation in the pro-life arena involves the "conscience clause" issues involving the protection of health care professional who don't want to participate in abortions or dispense abortion producing drugs.  That issue is now front and center in Illinois where we filed a state lawsuit yesterday on behalf of two pharmacists who do not want to dispense abortion producing drugs.  Under a directive from the Governor issued April 1st, pharmacists must dispense all medications and can face penalties if they do not.  This directive violates a number of Illinois laws including the state's Health Care Right of Conscience Act.  The Governor contends pharmacists are not covered by the Act.  That is absolutely ridiculous.  I have asked Frank Manion to get into court as soon as possible for a hearing requesting an injunction - to keep this order from being enforced.  I am confident that the court will understand that all health care professionals - including pharmacists - should not be punished for their religious beliefs.

As we were filing that lawsuit in Illinois, the Governor of Arizona vetoed a bill that would have provided protection for pharmacists who did not want to violate their religious beliefs.  This is an issue that is gaining national attention and an issue that we are monitoring very closely at the ACLJ. 

At the federal level, we are representing members of Congress in defending a federal law that is designed to provide protection for pharmacists.  This is an issue that will be litigated in the courts in the months and years ahead.