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They lose that right when they agree to open a pharmacy that is licensed by the state.

That just isn't true. A state license doesn't force you to do anything. It permits you to practice within set guidelines, that's all. If you choose not to practice all the aspects of what you are licensed to do, that isn't illegal.

A physician is licensed by the state, can the state force all physicians to do abortions? (pray we never come to this, but I fear that is the next step they are going to take from this ruling). If that were true they could force ENT's to deliver babies, Radiologists to do surgery..they are licensed to practice medicine.

My hairdresser is licensed by the state. She doesn't do colorings only cuts, can I force her to color my hair?

Great post - you made my day! Thanks

That just isn't true. A state license doesn't force you to do anything. It permits you to practice within set guidelines, that's all. If you choose not to practice all the aspects of what you are licensed to do, that isn't illegal.

Read the article. The refusal to dispense the prescription was a violation of a rule approved by the state's governor and legislature under the Pharmacy Practice Act. The "set guidelines" under which pharmacies must practice include the rule "requiring pharmacies that sell contraceptives to fill prescriptions for the morning-after pill." Anyone who doesn't like it is welcome to challenge it in court and vote for lawmakers who support their position, but for now it's the law.

Your questions about abortions and hair coloring are red herrings. Of course the state could pass a law saying all doctors it licenses must perform abortions and all hairdressers it licenses must color hair. You would be welcome to challenge that in court and vote for lawmakers who support your position on that as well.

By the way, the way the pharmacists handled these prescriptions is in fact a violation of Walgreen's own corporate policies, so the pharmacists responsible could well be fired by this "private business."