The lawsuit was filed by two pharmacists who refused for religious reasons. Attorney Mark Rienzi argued the case on their behalf.
"One thing I think the trial showed is that there's really no compelling government interest in forcing these particular people to sell the drug," says Rienzi. "One of these pharmacies is in Chicago with competitors just three blocks away and more than a dozen pharmacies within three or four miles. There's really no legitimate reason the government needs that guy to sell that one particular drug."
Rienzi adds that the pharmacists' refusal on religious grounds does npt equal the denial of access.
"We thought it was very revealing when the government admitted during the trial that they're actually not aware of a single human being who was ever prevented from getting emergency contraception. So they made a whole lot of noise about the issue -- but when it comes right down to the question, under oath, are you aware of anybody who was ever unable to get the stuff, the answer is no," the attorney points out.
If the law is upheld, says the attorney, pharmacists with a conscience will be chased out of the profession. A decision is expected within a few weeks.
Source: OneNewsNow
