Not a bad point, but why force them to do anything? As long as they aren't selling illegal drugs or defrauding their customers, what justification does government have for forcing them to sell anything?
The problem is that pharmacies, like other official health care outfits, have to be licensed, and have to agree to adhere to stardard medical practice. I don't like this "morning after" pill, but wouldn't want to find myself in an emergency situation where the available doctor would do anything except a blood transfusion - such practices do go against the religious practices of many people.
The pharmacist that feels oppressed for having to dispense with birth control, might be upset with HIS prescription for Viagra being denied because the medical doctor or pharmacist thought such drugs went against divine will...
The point being that many medical practices go against SOMEONE or other's beliefs. If you don't believe in life-saving organ transplants, or blood transfusions, or even giving anaesthesia during childbirth (the bible DOES state uncategorically, "In pain shall you bring forth children..") then you can't be a medical professional - or your responsibilities will necessarily be limited.
podkane wrote: "If you don't believe in life-saving organ transplants, or blood transfusions, or even giving anaesthesia during childbirth (the bible DOES state uncategorically, "In pain shall you bring forth children..") then you can't be a medical professional - or your responsibilities will necessarily be limited."
So, all doctors MUST perform abortions since abortion is considered a valid medical procedure by the AMA?
The difference is one is an actual life saving procedure (blood transfusions) and the other is not.
The charge is, "Heal when possible, but First, do no harm."
I don't do every medical procedure known to Medicine - should I be required to do so? Why carve out 2 medicines (and 2 manufacturers, and force unwilling men and women to choose between their business and their ethics.
There's a name for the use of force to impel one person to act against his will at the request of another: slavery.