Missouri Legislature Allows Pharmacy to Deny EC
Missouri Pharmacies Could Refuse to Provide Emergency Contraception
Apr 29, 2009
The Missouri House has approved an amendment that would allow pharmacies to refuse to stock or distribute emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill. The vote was 115-43.
The amendment says that the state cannot revoke a pharmacy's license if they do not carry certain medication. It specifically mentions emergency contraception, medication that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The amendment also states that a pharmacy cannot be sued for refusing to carry a certain kind of medication.
Ignoring Opinions of Citizens
On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, the Missouri House approved an amendment that allows pharmacies to refuse to stock or distribute emergency contraception. Incidentally, that was the same day as the 2009 Pro-Choice Lobby Day.
Around 175 citizen lobbyists came to ask legislators to put preventions first. They asked legislators to support comprehensive sex education, compassionate assistance for rape emergencies, birth control protection, women's health services, patient protection, and expedited partner therapy. The amendment specifically went against the citizens request for compassionate assistance for rape emergencies, which asks legislators to ensure that victims of sexual assault are provided with information about, and access to emergency birth control such as Plan B.
The amendment itself ignores the opinion of most Missouri constituents. According to the Peter D. Hart Research Associates, 65 percent of Missourians believe all pharmacies should be required to dispense over-the-counter and prescription contraception to patients without discrimination or delay.
Business Before Women
Rep. Cynthia Davis says the amendment is to protect the rights of businesses and protect them from lawsuits. She emphasizes that businesses should have the freedom to decide what products they want to make available in their store and what products they do not.
Davis claims anyone opposed to the amendment is a Communist. "I have trouble understanding why anybody who is an American, who is not in favor of Communism, would want us to dictate what we're going to say people can and cannot stock," she said. "I fear for all the businesses in Missouri if we're going to start telling them what they can sell and what they cannot sell."
However, opponents of the amendment are quick to point out that while businesses may be free to choose their products, that in turn limits the freedom women have over their own bodies. A woman's right to accessible and affordable contraception and her ability to care for her own reproductive health is severely limited if no store around her will carry contraception. While defending the rights of pharmacies and businesses, the amendment sacrifices the rights of women.
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