Group calls Illinois governor’s pharmacist contraceptive measure an ‘irresponsible display of power’

Mar 28, 2006 / 22:00 pm

On Monday, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich issued new regulations which could force some pharmacists to fill prescriptions for contraceptives and even abortifacients which they may find morally objectionable. The New York-based “No Room for Contraception” campaign today called the move an “irresponsible display of power.

Mary Worthington, a spokeswoman for the campaign, said that "Governor Blagojevich has complete disregard for the conscientious objections of pharmacists,” and that "His new restrictions and penalties for pharmacists demonstrate an irresponsible display of power.”

She opined that the governor’s move will “force many pharmacists out of business because of their own religious or moral convictions, and this is not fair."

In a statement, the group added that "access to Plan B emergency contraception does no service to women's health; this is a dangerous and powerful drug. Easy access to emergency contraception will make women more vulnerable to sexual abuse.

“With greater access to and use of emergency contraception,” Worthington wrote, “women will be expected to further cover up instances of sexual abuse by taking emergency contraceptives perhaps even placing her own health and fertility at risk."

Worthington stressed in her statement that "Governor Blagojevich's efforts should focus on funding initiatives that will help women and families find alternatives to contraception, provide educational information on the harms of contraception, and teach natural family planning methods."