Illinois Gov. Blagojevich Proposes Order For Pharmacies To Post Signs Detailing Contraceptives In Stock

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 31 Mar 2006 - 9:00 PDT

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Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) on Monday announced a proposal to require each of Illinois' 2,700 pharmacies to post a sign detailing which forms of contraception the store stocks, the Chicago Tribune reports (Chase, Chicago Tribune, 3/28). The proposal follows a state rule -- which was proposed by Blagojevich and approved in August 2005 by the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules -- that requires pharmacies to dispense emergency contraception, which can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after intercourse, if they stock any FDA-approved contraceptive or risk losing their licenses. If any prescribed contraceptive is out of stock, pharmacies must provide an alternative, order the drug, make arrangements for another local pharmacy to fill the order or return the prescription to the customer. The rule allows pharmacies to opt not to sell any contraceptives (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/31). According to Blagojevich, the signs would inform customers that pharmacies are required to dispense an alternative drug if the one requested is out of stock or refer the customer to another pharmacy that can fill the prescription. The signs also would list a toll-free hot line for customers to register any complaints with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. According to the Tribune, the signs must be approved by a legislative process, a financial department spokesperson said. The state agency that regulates pharmacies on Monday filed a formal complaint against one Illinois pharmacist, alleging that she attempted to avoid following the rule in January by falsely telling a customer that the pharmacy was out of EC to avoid filling the prescription. Blagojevich said his new order is meant to prevent pharmacists from "trying to make a political statement" improperly telling women that contraceptives are not in stock (Chicago Tribune, 3/28).

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