Washington State Board of Pharmacy Adopts Rule to Protect Patient Access to their Prescriptions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2006
Seattle, WA – NARAL Pro-Choice Washington announced it’s support for the rule adopted by the Washington state Board of Pharmacy today, that defends the right of all patients to have their valid prescriptions filled without judgment or discrimination.
“The rule adopted today is a victory for the women of Washington. We thank Governor Gregoire for working with the women’s community to develop this rule, and for refusing to compromise on patient’s rights”, said Blythe Chandler, deputy director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington.
The rule ensures patient access to valid prescriptions and will also apply to over-the-counter Plan B, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week.
“NARAL Pro-Choice Washington will work with our supporters and coalition partners around the state to ensure that this rule is carried out and valid prescriptions for birth control are being filled”, Chandler added.
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington supporters generated over 10,000 emails, letters and phone calls to the Board of Pharmacy expressing outrage at an earlier proposal that would have allowed pharmacies to turn patients away based on the personal non-medical judgments of an individual pharmacist. In addition, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington held an event in Seattle in July that addressed the issue of pharmacy refusals and was attended by over 300 people.
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is a statewide grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization.
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