Illinois judge has ruled pharmacists can't be forced to dispense abortion pills

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A judge has ruled that Illinois pharmacists can't be forced to dispense emergency contraception.

Sangamon County Circuit Judge John Belz said Tuesday that requiring pharmacists to sell the so-called “morning-after” pill violates state right-of-conscience law.

Pharmacists Luke VanderBleek and Glenn Kosirog and the three drug stores they operate sued over the 2005 rule imposed by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. A circuit court originally dismissed the claim, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that it must be considered.

The Plan B contraception pill helps prevent pregnancy if taken within three days after sex. The pharmacists objected to dispensing it on religious grounds. They say it amounts to abortion.

The state attorney general's office said Tuesday afternoon it planned to appeal.

Chicago Tribune

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