The New Jersey Assembly Health and Senior Citizens Committee on Thursday approved a bill (A 992) that would require New Jersey's 9,000 licensed pharmacists to fill prescriptions for all drugs, including contraceptives, despite "any sincerely held moral, philosophical or religious beliefs," the Newark Star-Ledger reports (Livio, Newark Star-Ledger, 10/20).
The state Senate in June approved its companion bill (S 1195) that also would require pharmacies to refer patients immediately to another pharmacy and have the prescription transferred if the drug is not in stock (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 6/28).
The committee passed the measure in anticipation of debates that might occur as the controversy intensifies nationwide over FDA's approval of emergency contraception -- which can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after intercourse -- for nonprescription sales, the Star-Ledger reports.
The New Jersey Pharmacists Association has not challenged the measure but has requested some revisions to the bill.
The bill now moves to the full state Assembly for consideration (Newark Star-Ledger, 10/20).