1、1 Because this report is intended to provide examples of the various types of pharmacy conscienceclause laws, it does not contain an exhaustive list of all state laws on the topic. Furthermore,because there are currently no reported cases in federal or state court databases regardingpharmacists who
2、refuse to fill prescriptions for contraceptives, this report focuses on statutes andregulations rather than court decisions.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22293Updated August 30, 2006Federal and State Laws Regardi
3、ngPharmacists Who Refuse to DistributeContraceptivesJody FederLegislative AttorneyAmerican Law DivisionSummaryThis report provides an analysis of federal and state laws that govern whetherpharmacists may refuse to fill valid prescriptions for birth control and emergencycontraception or to sell the e
4、mergency contraceptive Plan B now that the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) has approved Plan B for over-the-counter sale to women aged 18or older. Such laws are sometimes referred to as “conscience clause” laws because theyallow medical providers to refuse to provide services to which they have re