Planned Parenthood to make birth-control case at board meeting

HELENA, Mont. (AP) Planned Parenthood of Montana says the state needs to find a way either through administrative rule or legislation to protect consumer access when pharmacists refuse to dispense contraceptives because of religious beliefs.

The organization will present its case at the Montana Board of Pharmacy's April meeting. It also will present model language for a new state rule or law.

Stacey Anderson is director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood of Montana. She says Planned Parenthood of Montana believes pharmacies have a duty to ensure provision of FDA-approved contraception.

She says one possible strategy would include allowing non-pharmacists to dispense prepackaged birth control.

The news follows last week's decision by the Montana Board of Pharmacy to dismiss complaints against a Broadus pharmacist who has stopped dispensing birth control and "morning-after" pills because of his religious beliefs.

By AP writer Katie Oyan (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-11-08 1852CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list