Pharmacists Could Deny Abortion Drugs Under Senate Bill

Pharmacists could deny women access to abortion-inducing drugs if they have a moral or ethical objection under a bill approved by a Senate committee Wednesday.

Current law – in place for more than two decades – says a physician or hospital employee doesn’t have to perform or assist in abortions if they have an ethical or moral objection.

This year’s bill would expand that to nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists. Indiana family doctor Andrew Mullally says the law should reflect the changing face of health care.

“Conscience rights of literally tens of thousands of health care workers are at risk of being violated,” Mullally says.

Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) says the law should also require health care workers to let patients know they object to abortion services.

“I would like to know, in advance … whether or not you’re going to be there for me if I require that service,” Breaux says.

The bill’s author, Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne), says it’s the patient’s responsibility to ask.