Pharmacists no longer allowed to refuse to dispense drugs

March 14, 2017

Pharmacists were allowed to refer patients elsewhere to avoid dispensing drugs
The ‘conscience clause’ meant they could get avoid moral objections
The clause has been ruled incompatible with ‘person-centred care’
Critics argue the move discriminates against those with minority ethical beliefs

Steve Doughty, Social Affairs Correspondent for the Daily Mail

Published:
19:54 EDT, 10 March 2017

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Updated:
20:12 EDT, 10 March 2017

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Pharmacists will no longer be able to refuse to dispense contraception or certain drugs because of a moral objection.

The so-called ‘conscience clause’ that allows them to refer a patient to a colleague has now been ruled incompatible with requirements that pharmacists deliver ‘person-centred care’.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) says the new system means they will be required to ensure the treatment of their client ‘is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs’.

The so-called ‘conscience clause’ which allows pharmacists to not prescribe certain medications on moral grounds has been ruled incompatible with requirements that pharmacists deliver ‘person-centred care’

The change alarmed Christians and medical professionals anxious to maintain the right for pharmacists to work within their ethical and religious beliefs.

It will affect those who currently decline to supply the morning-after pill on the grounds that they consider it an abortion drug.

Following a consultation, the GPhC published an explanatory paper this week saying rules should in future require that pharmacists ‘recognise their own values and beliefs but do not impose them on other people’.

They should ‘take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised’.

The GPhC added that the rule will ‘shift the balance in favour of the needs and rights of the person in their care’ and listed drugs that might be affected as those providing contraception, fertility medicines, hormonal therapies, mental health and wellbeing services, substance misuse services and sexual health services.

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Christians say replacing the ‘right to refer’ with a ‘duty to dispense’ discriminates against pharmacists with minority ethical beliefs.

Dr Peter Saunders, a former surgeon who heads the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: ‘The question is whether pharmacists should be forced to dispense drugs for what they consider to be unethical practices – like emergency contraception, gender reassignment, abortion or even, should the legislation ever be passed, for assisted suicide.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) says the new system means they will be required to ensure the treatment of their client ‘is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs’

‘Or should they retain the right to exercise freedom of conscience by either referring to a colleague or opting out.’

He said the GPhC was ‘using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut’.

Roman Catholic bishops yesterday issued a statement adding their opposition.

Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark the Right Reverend Paul Mason said: ‘Our primary concern is in relation to the nature of conscience.

‘It seems to imply that conscientious objection, whether motivated by religious or other concerns, is an obstacle to ensuring patient-centred care.

‘It appears to suggest that having a moral conscience and patient-centred care are not compatible facets of a pharmacist’s profession. However, we contend that being a person of conscience is in fact a requirement of any health care professional.’

GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said: ‘We have proposed that in some cases referral might not be the right option, or enough, to ensure person-centred care is not compromised.

‘Pharmacy professionals should consider in advance how to make sure people receive the care they need when they need it.’