A Wisconsin appeals court upheld a ruling Tuesday prohibiting a pharmacist's ability to deny a patient oral contraceptives based on their religious beliefs.
Neil Noesen refused Amanda Renz, a college student, oral contraceptives based on his religious ideologies in July 2002. Noesen did not refill the prescription, according to the Third District Court of Appeals' ruling.
Renz took her prescription to another pharmacy where she was informed Noesen refused to transfer her prescription, according to the ruling.
The ruling said Noesen violated the standard of care expected of pharmacists when he refused to refill or transfer Renz's prescription. Noesen would be reprimanded and have practice conditions placed on him to notify any pharmacy in writing of any practices he would decline and how he would ensure patient access to medication.""
The ruling is in line with practices on campus at University Health Services.
""UHS is pleased to see this ruling,"" Dr. Sarah Van Orman, director of clinical services at UHS, said.
According to Van Orman, each patient has the right to make informed choices about contraception based on accurate medical information from their health care provider and pharmacist.
Denying a patient oral contraceptives based on religious beliefs ""would be inconsistent with UHS's principles and interpretation of the rights of patients,"" Van Orman said.
Susan Armacost, legislative director for the anti-abortion group Wisconsin Right to Life, said the group does not deal with issues of contraception.
Kelda Helen Roys, spokesperson for NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, said the ruling was justified.
""Pharmacists shouldn't be putting up barriers,"" Roys said.
According to Roys, pharmacists denying oral contraceptives to women add to the multiple health barriers that already affect women, especially women in rural areas.
Roys said there are large numbers of pharmacists who want to do their job, but there is a continuing trend of denying oral contraceptives to patients based on ideology.
A bill that would mandate hospitals give access to emergency contraception for all rape victims, the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Act, was signed by Gov. Jim Doyle March 13.
