Contraception: Render suit moot

There's no need to rest idly while waiting for the case of the pharmacists who disagree with state rules and think they have the right to refuse emergency contraception to patients to go court. State lawmakers will soon be looking at a bill (Senate Bill 6189) that could strengthen the rules the state Board of Pharmacy adopted regarding the matter in July. If passed, the bill would change the standard of the license for pharmacy owners. Maintaining their license would hinge on filing an annual declaration stating that they have dispensed all legally prescribed drugs or devices to meet the needs of customers (exceptions are allowed for erroneous or fraudulent prescriptions, private and specialized pharmacies). The intent of SB6189 is "to protect and promote public health...by ensuring the timely availability of all legally prescribed drugs." We hope this bill will help put an end to the nonsense that has led to two pharmacists and an owner suing the state over the right to refuse dispensing medications based on their religious beliefs.