http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-938777.mp3
Kansas City, MO – Pharmacies in Missouri would not be required to stock the "morning after" pill and could not be sued for it, under legislation proposed in the Missouri House.
The bill is sponsored by State Representative David Sater (R, Cassville), who owned and operated a pharmacy in Barry County for 30 years. He says it would not bar pharmacies from selling the pill, but would guarantee their right not to if the owners so choose.
"I think any retail business would be affronted...if state government or federal government came in and told them that they had to sell a certain product," says Sater. "We still live in a free country, and we're just trying to keep it (as) free as possible."
Paula Gianino is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of St. Louis and Southwest Missouri.
"The vague language in this bill can be used for pharmacies to find a way to use their own personal, religious and moral decisions and convictions to cut off access from women all over this state to even birth control services," says Gianino.
The 2011 session begins January 5th.