Trial Court Invalidates Illinois Pharmacy Board Rule On Dispensing Plan B

An Illinois state trial court judge yesterday in Morr-Fitz, Inc. v. Blagojevich, held that an Illinois State Pharmacy Board rule requiring pharmacies to dispense Plan B and other forms of emergency contraception violates Illinois' Health Care Right of Conscience Act, the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and the 1st Amendment's free exercise clause. Life News reports that the court countered the government's contention that it had a compelling interest in assuring timely access to drugs by indicating that there was no evidence that anyone was ever unable to obtain emergency contraception because of a religious objection. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the state plans to appeal the decision. (See prior related posting.)