Protecting Pro-Life Pharmacists

I want to update you on a very troubling situation in the state of Illinois.  You may recall the Governor there ordered pharmacists to dispense medication -- even if filling the prescriptions violated their conscience and their religious beliefs. 

I have instructed Frank Manion, one of our senior attorneys who has extensive experience in defending the constitutional rights of pro-life pharmacists, to fully examine this order and to determine if a legal challenge is possible.

The Governor is under pressure to rescind his order.  He continues to stand by it saying stiff penalties will be imposed on any phramacy that opposes his order.  The Governor says those penalties range from fines to losing their licenses.  At issue:  The state's Health Care Right of Conscience Act which allows doctors and other "medical personnel" to avoid acting against their consciences.

The pharmacists believe the act covers them.  Governor Blagojevich and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan believe it does not.  I will keep you posted as it now appears a legal battle will ultimately determine if pro-life pharmacists can abide by their consciences in the workplace.