U.S. Pharmacists Urged Not to Withhold Abortion Pills, Warned They May Break Law if They Reject Access: U.S. Health Officials

U.S. pharmacists have received a warning from U.S. health officials saying that they must not refuse to fill some prescriptions for abortion pills.

Federal health officials have warned that pharmacists must comply with federal civil rights laws when making a decision about supplying and dispensing medicine, according to an NPR report.

The guideline was released after several news reports noting that pharmacists across the country reject access to abortion pills after the Supreme Court's decision to repeal Roe v. Wade. It noted that pharmacists may not discriminate against customers seeking to fill their prescriptions.

The guideline also said that pharmacists may not advise patients about medications and how to take them and make determinations about the sustainability of prescribed medication for a patient, the Health and Human Services Department's press release noted.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a release that the department intends to ensure everyone can access health care "free of discrimination."

Abortion Pills Guidance

The New York Times reported that the new guidance about abortion pills is "cautiously written," adding that it tries to avoid mandating pharmacies to provide the drugs for the purpose of abortion. Abortion is currently banned or restricted in certain states.

In addition, it does not address how a provision in a federal law called the Church Amendments would apply, which allows health care providers, covering pharmacists, not to perform or assist in abortions if they have religious or moral arguments.

Abortions pills are mifepristone, misoprostol, and methotrexate. These are often prescribed for other conditions but can also induce abortions.

Mifepristone is used for patients with a hormonal disorder called Cushing's syndrome, while misoprostol is given for patients with ulcer problems.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized both drugs as a two-drug combination that can be taken to terminate a pregnancy during the first 10 weeks. It can also be used in combination after miscarriages.

The Center for Reproductive Rights has called for the Biden administration to declare a public health emergency to expand access to mifepristone.

Roe v. Wade and Abortion Pills

Anti-abortion claims have promoted allegations that abortion pills are ineffective and dangerous, according to a BBC News report.

Kristan Hawkins said that the drugs have caused injury, infertility, and death. She added that "chemical abortion" is going to start ending two lives.

The FDA has reported 26 deaths related to mifepristone since it was approved. It was a rate of about 0.65 deaths per 100,000 medication abortions.

Mifepristone was placed in a program for "risky drugs" when it was first approved by the FDA, as most of the safety data came from outside the U.S. It remained one of the most heavily regulated drugs in the country despite evidence showing that it was safe.

Anti-abortion groups have long since targeted abortion pills even before Roe v. Wade was revoked by the Supreme Court.

As a response, lawmakers have proposed 117 restrictions across 22 states on medication abortion during the first five months of 2022.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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