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To think if a pharmacist refuses to dispense medication due to religious or personal beliefs

313 replies

Soubriquet · 24/04/2024 10:11

They shouldn’t be a pharmacist.

I mean, the morning after pill is healthcare. Your personal or religious beliefs shouldn’t come into this.

OP posts:
Mischance · 24/04/2024 10:27

There are gynaecologists who abstain from performing terminations. It is a similar scenario, and if that is allowed, then pharmacists should be able to do similar.

innerdesign · 24/04/2024 10:25

While I agree that it shouldn't come into it, the fact is that pharmacists have the right to refuse to supply the MAP but must signpost you to another pharmacy who can supply. And @SabreIsMyFave that is nonsense, doctors are not infallible and pharmacists can refuse to dispense if they have safety concerns.

BobbyBiscuits · 24/04/2024 10:25

Did someone actually do this? Refused the morning after pill to a customer?
They should be investigated by the regulator and the shop should be reported if that's the case.

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 24/04/2024 10:24

I agree.

BabyMoonPie · 24/04/2024 10:23

According to guidance from their regulator a pharmacist can refuse to dispense the morning after pill if its against their beliefs but they should refer the patient to someone who can dispense it.

dizzydizzydizzy · 24/04/2024 10:22

Not ideal. Must be hard enough to ask for the morning after pill.

Maddy70 · 24/04/2024 10:22

I is this even a thing ?

FloofyBear · 24/04/2024 10:22

Soubriquet · 24/04/2024 10:11

They shouldn’t be a pharmacist.

I mean, the morning after pill is healthcare. Your personal or religious beliefs shouldn’t come into this.

IMO they shouldn't be allowed to make that judgement based on religion, particularly as it's really unlikely sperm has met egg yet, let alone divided or created a blastocyst etc. Besides if it's not against the law and it's been approved then sorry but you need to get on with the job at hand

TulipCat · 24/04/2024 10:20

I agree. If we start picking and choosing which medical treatments we are personally comfortable dispensing, where does that go in terms of discrimination I wonder?

Precipice · 24/04/2024 10:20

Does this happen in the UK? It is a reported problem in Poland, although the issue of doctors refusing to perform abortions (even prior to the current even more restrictive law) is a larger one.

SabreIsMyFave · 24/04/2024 10:19

Why do you ask?

But yeah, they can't refuse to dispense anything if a GP has prescribed it! If they do, then they need sacking!

Coasters4Life · 24/04/2024 10:17

Has this happened to you or is it something you have read about, being a hypothetical situation?

jackstini · 24/04/2024 10:16

YANBU

It's part of their job
Everyone has a right to their beliefs but it shouldn't prevent them doing the job they are paid for

I would report them. How did they handle the situation?

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