Contraception control in Missouri

May 3, 7:31 PMManchester Atheism ExaminerBarbara L Bell

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Not so great news out of Missouri. The Missouri House recently approved a conscience clause amendment. This permits pharmacies to refuse to stock drugs they consider an abortifacient and lets pharmacists deny dispensing any drugs they consider an abortifacient - if it just happens to be in stock. This law is worded vaguely enough that pretty much anything that might sorta be considered an abortifacient can be withheld. The worst part? You can’t go after the pharmacy or pharmacist for any harm resulting in denial.

Why is this a problem for atheists? While religion is not specifically mentioned (that I could see) in the bill or the reasoning for sponsoring such a bill, it’s common knowledge the religious right has a problem with sexually active women exercising control over their bodies, particularly with regards to how they manage their health. Abortion is one of those medical procedures some women need. Properly used birth control has been shown to reduce abortion rates. You would think the promotion of the use of birth control would be a no-brainer as it would reduce the need for abortion.

Apparently not. The religious right has gotten it into their head, that despite what the FDA says and medical evidence proves, most contraception is abortion. It’s not. This is a problem for everyone, not just atheists, as the government is now letting other people (pharmacists) determine what medications or procedures women can have. I find it is particularly problematic for atheists as it is a backdoor entrance for religious control over our lives.

This will be challenged and I can’t wait to see it happen. Medical professionals should not be allowed to abdicate their duties. If they don’t like dispensing birth control of any kind, then get into another line of work. Don’t take a job that will force you to compromise your morals. One can only surmise that persons who take a job that would cause them to compromise their morals is doing so for some other reason than work. Like maybe… making a stink on how your religious convictions trump my right to health care.

I find it amazing that the Feds are reversing Bush’s conscience clause even as states are enshrining theirs. Missouri courts can’t overturn this discriminatory piece of work soon enough.

Reminder: The National Day of Reason is May 7, 2009