Denial of contraception is immoral
By CATHERINE FRANSSON and JAMAL RAHMAN GUEST COLUMNISTS Published in the Seattle Times on Friday, January 11, 2008 Late last year, a federal judge granted an injunction allowing pharmacists in Washington to deny access to a valid, legal prescription, if they chose. We believe the decision is wrong and are pleased it is being appealed. While the decision means that a pharmacist can deny filling any prescription — including one for antidepressants, syringes for insulin, or AIDS drugs — the medication most often referred to in the case is emergency contraception and, specifically, the brand Plan B. As pastoral caregivers, we see the sad consequences of unintended pregnancies. We know that birth control such as emergency contraception is basic health care for women. We teach that the gift and responsibility of reproductive choice is the woman's and should not be usurped.
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