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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is a bit off....But not sure why.

461 replies

Shortstuff08 · 30/07/2018 15:33

So, I had to go get the morning after pill today. I went to a high street retailer that has a pharmacy. They had a sign saying they provided it.

The woman behind the counter asked me if I was wanting the free one or to pay for it. I said that I assumed I would have to pay. She went away and came back and said they didn't provide the free one. I said that was fine and she told me that the Pharmacist would come our to see me in minute. A man approached me and asked if I was waiting. He then told me that he 'couldn't' provide MAP. I asked if they didn't have any and he said 'no, we do, but I can't give it'

Fair enough, I went to another high street store. Spoke to the Pharmacist there, she asked me a few questions about medication I am on and the gave me it. I said I was relieved she could as the other store couldn't give me it and thought I would spend all day looking for somewhere. She asked me where I had been and then said that some pharmacists, don't give it out due to religious purposes.

I don't think that's ok. If it's your job, how can you refuse on religious grounds? Or are some Pharmacists not able to administer it? Or am I being an arse in thinking that you should just do your job?

OP posts:
Original poster
Shortstuff08 · 30/07/2018 16:50

I don't understand why you didn't simply ask "why not"? You had the whole conversation but just wandered off without actually getting to the point. Doesn't make sense.

May not make sense to you. But ideas panicked this morning, condom split with Dp this morning and I don't want more kids. When he said he can't all I was thinking was where the nearest other place was and wether they would be able to do it. My mind wasn't fully there on what I should or what I shouldn't say.

It didn't occur to me than anything but a training problem. I just assumed 'oh he must be trained.

Apologies for not reacting how you would.

OP posts:
Leesa65 · 30/07/2018 16:51

They shouldn't be a Pharmacist if they will object to things on their Religious grounds

Ridiculous state of affairs but not surprising .

Original poster
Shortstuff08 · 30/07/2018 16:51

Must not be trained

OP posts:
NewYearNewMe18 · 30/07/2018 16:51

Why do people always come up with these ridiculous 'what if' scenarios?

ShapelyBingoWing · 30/07/2018 16:54

The reason the other provider has given is massively speculative.

He probably just isn't named on the PGD and so legally cannot dispense it in that store.

I'm fact, even if the root cause is his religion causing him to conscientiously object to dispensing it, I imagine even that translates to him not being named on the PGD.

If nobody in the establishment is named on that piece of paper, they cannot dispense the MAP. It's not something that's allowed to be delegated.

Original poster
Shortstuff08 · 30/07/2018 16:55

I've read this before. in the last few weeks. Exact same post practically.

Must be a common problem. Or you can ask mn to take a look at my profile if you think I am posting this multiple times and pretending it's just happened.

If it's for religious reason they absolutely should have the right to refuse imo.

If you agree it's ok IF it's on religious grounds, what grounds to you think it's not ok to refuse on?

OP posts:
Scienceforthewin · 30/07/2018 16:55

Would a Jehovah’s Witness doctor refuse to give a blood transfusion to a dying patient?

Are there examples where men inconvenience other men, or is it just men inconveniencing women?

Original poster
Shortstuff08 · 30/07/2018 16:56

If nobody in the establishment is named on that piece of paper, they cannot dispense the MAP. It's not something that's allowed to be delegated

But then they wouldn't advertise it?

OP posts:
HugAndRoll · 30/07/2018 16:59

I'm not sure they can actually do this anymore. There was a consultation in 2017 (the results of which I cannot find) but I have found the Pharmacy Regulation Standards document here, some points from which are listed below.

"take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs"

"consider and manage appropriately any personal or organisational goals, incentives or targets and make sure the care they provide reflects the needs of the person"

"declare any personal or professional interests and manage these professionally"

Now these are obviously open to interpretation, but I can't find an official document pertaining to refusal of administration based on religious/ethical beliefs.

The BMA document regarding a medic's right to refuse to refer for an abortion does mention the MAP. It actually states "The use of hormonal emergency contraception or intrauterine devices (IUDs) does not constitute abortion" so I'm not sure this could be cited as a reason anyway. You can see the full document here.

If anyone can link to current legislation regarding pharmacists being allowed to refuse to dispense medication for reasons other than it being dangerous medically or socially, please pop it here as I'd be interested in reading it.

funinthesun18 · 30/07/2018 17:00

Religion shouldn’t be used as a reason not to give it to you. He chose to do the job he is in and shouldn’t be pushing his religious views on to other people. If he can’t hack it then get a different job. What’s apparently wrong with the MAP that it goes against his religion anyway?

Original poster
Shortstuff08 · 30/07/2018 17:00

Are there examples where men inconvenience other men, or is it just men inconveniencing women?

I think this is why it's bothering me. I feel likes its a women's issue. And again women being denied access to medical care they are entitled to.

OP posts:
Valanice1989 · 30/07/2018 17:04

NewYearNewMe18, because it highlights how stupid it is to allow people to opt out of doing their jobs properly because of their beliefs. It's not like anyone held a gun to their head and forced them to take the job in the first place.

SimonBridges · 30/07/2018 17:05

I think it is utterly wrong that religion means they won’t sell it to you.
I’m vegetarian so I wouldn’t work in a butchers. If your religion means you disagree with certain stuff then don’t put yourself in a position where you sell stuff you disagree with. That’s why you don’t see many Muslims running pubs.
Why should someone else get the right decide what a woman should do with her body?

Jaxhog · 30/07/2018 17:07

I think it’s utterly abhorrent that someone can use their own religious beliefs as a reason not to provide care.
This. Their refusal was totally out of order, especially as they didn't say why.

What next, male shopkeepers refusing to sell Tampax to women?

Jengnr · 30/07/2018 17:08

It's disgusting to refuse on religious grounds.

WillowRose79 · 30/07/2018 17:09

don't become a pharmacist if you cant do your job!

Amanduh · 30/07/2018 17:09

This crops up on here every now and again. I think it’s disgusting

montenuit · 30/07/2018 17:10

If your religion stops you doing your job, you need a new job (or religion).

THIS! x 1000

Gaspodethetalkingdog · 30/07/2018 17:10

Imposing your weird cult rules on others should be illegal, if you can’t do the job properly you should do something else....

diddl · 30/07/2018 17:14

The whole thing does seem totally surreal!

For the guy to not explain why-& no other pharmacist about?

FuckPants · 30/07/2018 17:14

A similar thing has happened to me in supermarkets when I have bought certain food products.

ShapelyBingoWing · 30/07/2018 17:14

But then they wouldn't advertise it?

Sure they would if they usually do have the right named staff on duty to dispense it.

sugarPlumFairly · 30/07/2018 17:14

This reply has been deleted

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IDontEatFriedTurtle · 30/07/2018 17:16

I don't see why religion gets a special pass. I hold many strong beliefs based on my own morals and facts that I know about the world around me. No one would give me a free pass to do what I wanted in a job based on those fact based conclusions though.

Wadewilson · 30/07/2018 17:17

They can refuse, but they should be able to point you in the direction of a place which will give you it.