US Pharmacists

A recent survey of pharmacists in the US indicated that slightly over half would refuse to fill a prescription for a medication that they objected to on religious or personal grounds. Obviously half the pharmacists believe their personal beliefs override the needs of their customers. One would expect that a leagal prescription from a practicing doctor for one of their patients should always be filled, as the pharmacists should put their customers needs over any pesonal objections they should have.

This survey comes at a time when the morning after contraception pill RU-486 is about to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration and should become available by prescription to women in need.

Pharmacists need to understand that customers can go to one of the other 50% willing to fill a valid prescription and may decide to fill all there prescriptions at a pharmacy that doesn't pick and choose which prescription it wants to fill.

4/17/01