Federal Judge Continues To Undermine Patients’ Rights
Judge Leighton Refuses to Stay Injunction on Pharmacy Board Rules Seattle, WA – Bush-appointed U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton has refused to stay an injunction on two Washington State Pharmacy Board rules, WAC 246-869-010 and WAC 246-863-095, that require pharmacies to fill prescriptions for stocked medications on-site, and ensure that all patients are treated professionally and respectfully. “Considering this is the same judge who previously ruled that the personal opinions of a few pharmacists should trump the rights of women to access reproductive health care, I can’t say I am surprised by today’s decision,” said Karen Cooper, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. “However, it is disappointing that the court has decided to keep in place this undue burden on patients who are trying to take care of their health care needs.” “These rules are necessary to protect women’s health and safety,” Cooper added. “Patient access to appropriate care should not be undermined by personal, non-medical judgments.” Today’s ruling comes at the heels of the release of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington’s Emergency Contraception Access Project, which revealed that 10% of Washington pharmacies either do not stock or have a pharmacist on staff who refuses to fill Plan B® emergency contraception. “Our project clearly demonstrates that lack of access at the pharmacy counter has a direct impact on women’s health,” said Cooper. “And Plan B® is just one of the many medications that the Pharmacy Board rules cover.” Plan B® emergency contraception is a high-dose version of the regular birth control pill, and has no effect if the woman is already pregnant. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington will continue to work with coalition allies to protect access to Plan B® emergency contraception and other time-sensitive medications. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington State. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. # # #
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