Contraception in Illinois

Drug stores in Illinois will be required to post signs listing the options available to customers who cannot get their prescriptions filled, according to a proposed rule announced by Gov. Rod Blagojevich March 27. Under the rule, pharmacies will be required to "provide a medically acceptable alternative drug, or, at the request of the patient, order the drug from their supplier, transfer the prescription to a different drug store, or return the prescription to the patient." The action stems from the state's allegation that a pharmacist in West Peoria lied to a healthcare provider who called in a prescription for emergency contraception, saying it was not available at the pharmacy when in fact it was. The state has launched a formal complaint against the pharmacy. In April, Blagojevich issued an emergency ruling making it illegal for pharmacists to refuse to dispense EC (1"The Tan Sheet" June 20, 2005, p. 11)...