Carrie Baker - Refused Birth Control at her Pharmacy

Carrie Baker, from Rome, GA talks to NARAL Pro-Choice America about her experience being denied Plan B emergency contraception at her pharmacy, in support of the Access to Birth Control Act in Congress

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• naral
• pro-choice
• birth
• control
• plan
• b

[apothecary01]

As a pharmacist, I am outraged with the "conscience clause" some states have allowing a pharmacist to refuse to fill an Rx based on religious or moral beliefs. We have NO right to intrude our personal beliefs when evaluating a prescription. It is our job to make sure the medication is dosed appropriately, to screen for drug interactions, and to inform and educate the patient. We have legal authority to refuse to fill a prescription only when justified by clear and compelling medical reasons.

[pboothus]

Hi, I'm a Pharmacist. I support the use of Plan-B and drugs in the past like it. Its is not an abortifacient. The right wing can kiss my bodybuilt azz. The funny thing about this is many, MANY years ago and until recently there was a particular BC that was prescribed for the same purpose. Its still on the market. THIS PROCEDURE IS NOTHING NEW.

I appologize for all the right wing idiot pharmacists out there. If you think its bad dealing with them, try working with them.

[MrsGWright]

So what if she was refused birth control? That nice pharmacist is an Angel of the Lord, sent to help her stop her pre-marital, non-procreational canoodling. Praise Be!

[LikesToRakeLeaves]

I'm proud of your efforts!

I do not like that the pharmacist lied to say that it was not corporate policy, and because she would not refer you.

This is a time limited remedy, in times of emergency it would be really tampering with another person's whole life to mislead them on purpose.

Why not create a system where women can purchase the RU(46?) AND pharmacists that do not want to be involved for religious reasons both be accomodated?

How would YOU design this? (Please comment!)

[PharmacistCounseling]

The morning after pill should not be used for regular contraception. Condoms and birth control pill are what should be used on a regular basis. Preven and Plan B are the 2 commercially available morning after pills. You should take the first pill within 72 hours of the unprotected sexual contact. The sooner you take the first pill, the better. You must take a second pill 12 hours later. Again this is not for regular contraception, it is for emergencies only.

The world's Pharmacist

[icedupliger]

It isn't considered breaking the law to refuse to fill a prescription. If a pharmacist however destroys that prescription then it's against the law.

The pharmacist absolutely should have referred the patient to another store. However, unless this pharmacist is also the owner of the chain and hence the policy/decision maker, I'm surprised that Ms. Baker couldn't have just gone to another pharmacist and asked for Plan B. I find it unlikely that ALL the pharmacists weren't willing to dispense it.

[icedupliger]

I'm not quite sure how valid this statement is. It is Over the Counter TO AN EXTENT. To the best of my knowledge, a technician cannot dispense this. This product, while OTC, still requires the counseling of a pharmacist and a technician is not allowed to give out Plan B minus the counseling of a pharmacist that is necessary to go along with the product. However, the prior comment regarding the referral to another pharmacist is absolutely correct.

[BonzoGal1980]

They may have the right to refuse to fill a prescription, but that doesn't give them the right to destroy the script, which is what is occurring more and more often. It's happened to me, and I use BC pills to control endometriosis, not for birth control. What about women in the boondocks where there's only 1 pharmacy within 50 miles? What are they supposed to do? Drive 400 - 500 miles to find a pharmacist that doesn't have a private agenda?

[achesnut1276]

Professor Baker.

[rainchiId]

in washington, we have one of the most pro reproductive choice legislation in the usa. our pharmacists ruled against pharmacists denying prescriptions based on moral belief unless another pharmacist is present to give plan b over the counter. the problem is that pharmacies have found a loophole by just not providing plan b in the first place, which is a huge problem for women in rural areas (and even in non rural areas).

[Celesus]

It's so nice to see strong intelligent women trying to gain FREEDOM over their OWN bodies.She is amazing !!