For the next two weeks we will be discussing this topic. We WILL NOT engage in a discussion about what is or is not an abortion and whether or not abortions should be legal. This topic is the main reason there is comment moderation on this blog and I will not hesitate to reject your comment if I feel it is straying into these areas.
Students: For this week, please use any of the electronic resources at your disposal to research the topic. If you find something interesting, feel free to post a summary or a link as a comment. If you need an area to focus on, here are some suggestions:
What is conscientious objection as it applies to the profession of pharmacy?
What states in the U.S. are seeking to pass or have already passed legislation that addresses a pharmacist's right to refuse to dispense a prescription?
What are the positions of the pharmacy organizations on conscientious objection?
Are there articles published in the literature on this topic?
What medications are at the forefront of this issue?
4 comments:
I've been pondering this subject since we last discussed it in class.
I can understand both sides of the issue. I would never want to be placed in a situation where I would have to do something against my morals. However, I also believe I would never put myself in a position where I might be asked to do something against my morals.
My concern with this situation is where would the line be drawn? What if a pharmacist refused to sell antipsychotic medications, pain medications, etc based on their beliefs? I don't think it would be right to tell someone that they can refuse to sell a medication based on their beliefs and not give that right to someone else.
As pharmacists, how do you feel about this situation. Is there a way to allow conscientious objection without it creating havoc with so many different beliefs out there?
Nina Joiner
n.d.joiner@wingate.edu
Do you believe pharmacist have the right to refuse to fill a prescription based on personal morals or beliefs? and if so, does this go against the oath we made as pharmacists?
Amanda Groppe
an.groppe@wingate.edu
Here is the article I reference over and over in class, written by Charles Hepler: http://japha.metapress.com/media/3d1xhjxvml1qrc6uhqrl/contributions/d/1/0/7/d107760377u7512q_html/fulltext.html
Enjoy!
Virginia
In reply to Nina, I agree that this is a dificult topic. We are pharmacists, but we are also people who have certain values and beliefs. It is hard to separate our professional side from the other parts.
When you are a pharmacist you are the patient's advocate. The Pharmacist Code of Ethics that you will take states that we place concern for the well being of the patient at the center of our practice. She has made a decision with her doctor/NP about taking Plan B. It is not our duty to convince her that her decision does not agree with our values or opinion. Number 4 in the Code states that a pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships avoiding discriminatory practices. This means it is wrong to "yell or 'berate' patients." If you feel that your beliefs will not let you fill or dispense this product, then it is up to you, the professional, to address this issue ahead of time. How will you handle it? Will you refer the patient to another pharmacy, or have another pharmacist fill this order? If you still don't think these are acceptable solutions, then you should seek work in a setting where you will not have to deal with this problem. Some religious affiliated hospitals do not offer these products, drug information centers, or research careers may be some acceptable altermatives. I have had to take care of a 16 year old boy who brutally murdered his parents. I had to check my feelings a lot every day. Put yourself in the patient's shoes for a minute. I have a friend who is HIV positive. He faces discrimination a lot in most of his health related care situations. He is accused of being an IV drug using, flaming homosexual, when in fact he is a hemophiliac who got the virus from the Factor VIII infusions he got when he was a kid.
Be the professional in all your interactions.
Clark Lyda, PharmD
University of Colorado Hospital
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