Does North Carolina have a “Conscience Clause” for dispensing emergency contraceptives?
The Board has adopted a policy on pharmacists’ refusal to dispense prescriptions in certain circumstances: A pharmacist should function by serving the individual, community and societal needs while respecting the autonomy and dignity of each patient. The best practice by a pharmacist is to promote the good for every patient in a caring, compassionate and confidential manner. Pharmacists should discuss and resolve any questions about emergency contraception prior to employment. Compassionate care and conscientious objection are not mutually exclusive. A pharmacist has the right to avoid being complicit in behavior that is inconsistent with his or her morals or ethics. It is unacceptable, however, for pharmacists to impose their moral or ethical beliefs on the patients they serve. Pharmacists who object to providing a medication for a patient on this basis alone, therefore, should take proactive measures so as not to obstruct a patient’s right to obtain such medication. The Board notes t
