Bill outlining certain provisions for pharmacists passes hurdle

ATLANTA - A state House committee has recommended approval of a Hall County lawmaker's bill allowing pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for drugs designed to end a pregnancy.

According to the measure, they would, however, need to make "all reasonable efforts" to locate a druggist willing to fill the prescription.

Otherwise, he or she would be required to immediately return the prescription to the presenter. Under HB1445, a pharmacist "would need to state his or her moral or religious objection" in writing, but the written refusal "could not be the basis for any disciplinary or recriminatory action" against the druggist.

State Representative James Mills wrote the bill.