In April, after more than a year of public discussion, the Washington State Board of Pharmacy adopted new rules affecting the right of pharmacists to follow their consciences when asked to dispense certain medications. Though not explicitly stated, the impetus for the new rule is the distribution of Plan B, the so-called morning after pill, that is a contraceptive but in some cases may cause an abortion by preventing implantation. Pharmacists may now be required to dispense medications to which they morally object.

Proponents of the new policy, backed by some of the state’s major newspapers, celebrated the decision. Some media failed to recognize the right of conscience, a long respected American tradition. One editorial even included a derogatory caricature of a cleric as a pharmacist. Click here for the editorial on the decision.

Archbishop Alex J. Brunett sent a sharp rejoinder to the piece by re-affirming the right of conscience and standing up for the need to hear moral voices in the public square. Click here for the Archbishop’s op-ed.

The ruling came after the Board of Pharmacy held public hearings on its proposal, including one where more than 200 people attended and testimony was strongly divided, with the majority of testimony in favor of the right of conscience. The WSCC testified against the proposal and upheld the right of pharmacists to act according to the dictates of their consciences. Click here for the WSCC testimony.

The new rule will take effect in mid-June.