The Washington State Board of Pharmacy is currently considering the adoption of a conscience clause for pharmacists presented by the Washington State Pharmacy Association. This would allow individual pharmacists to refrain from filling a prescription that would violate their moral, ethical, or religious beliefs.  In no way does this prevent a person from having a prescription filled by someone else.  Opponents and supporters of the adoption of a conscience clause have testified at the Board of Pharmacy’s stakeholder meetings.  The Board is considering the precise language to include in a conscience clause.

The members of the Board of Pharmacy, who are appointed by the Governor, need to know that individuals do not lose their right to exercise their conscience once they enter the health profession.  Click here to urge them to adopt a conscience clause that respects the religious freedom of all pharmacists in Washington.