[babyface00]

I used to feel like many of the posters here about this issue - that its none of the pharmacist's business when filling a prescription.

That was when I thought, like most people, that birth control pills somehow prevent conception.

The fact, as I understand it, is that birth control pills do nothing to prevent conception, but instead prevent the fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus.

While that may sound like a difference in semantics, in reality the pill is in effect, a very early-term abortion. The DNA of the parents has already combined to form a new being, albeit a very tiny one.

So, I've come over to the other side on this issue. Birth control pills are not the same animal as condoms or allergy medicine.

As a hypothetical, if euthenasia suddenly became legal, would it not be permissable for a pharmacist to refuse to provide the means to enable that?

[ga medic]

Actually, most of the time, using the pill prevents ovulation, which prevents the fertilization of the egg. In some cases, ovulation is not prevented, and a fertilized egg cannot attach to the lining of the uterus because of the effects of the pill. I haven't read any studies that actually quantifies what percentage of the time this happens but most physicians I know (even staunchly pro-life) feel that it is not common for a woman, who is taking the pill correctly, to ovulate. I am not trying to dispute your opinion. Only trying to add information. Personally, I think a pharmacist should not be forced to fill a prescription they do not morally agree with. However, the pharmacist should not make any moral judgement on the patient and should merely say that they will have to go elsewhere to get their prescription filled.

[pa mom]

Actually, the pill USUALLY prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation. It also changes the lining of the wall of uterus to prevent implantation. Occasionally an egg could be released and fertilized then unable to implant.

So yes, the pill can cause abortion. But not every month. Different pills work in different ways, as well.

[melbell]

"The fact, as I understand it, is that birth control pills do nothing to prevent conception, but instead prevent the fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus."

You are referring to the morning after pill. It is abortion. But your standard birth control pill does nothing more than prevent an egg from being released from the ovaries. The sperm and egg never meet, therefore, it's not abortion. Hope that clears it up.