Currently, pharmacies in Washington State are required to fill prescriptions regardless of individual pharmacists’ personal beliefs. This right and freedom to have any prescription filled without discrimination or delay is under attack.

The Washington State Board of Pharmacy has recently taken the first formal step in the process to discard this rule. This action is appalling and a step backwards for all Washingtonians. Eliminating this rule will disproportionately affect individuals residing in rural areas because the suggested “refuse and refer” policy will force them to another pharmacy that could be many miles away.

Before making a decision on this, the Board of Pharmacy also needs to take into consideration that some medications are time-sensitive and any delay in obtaining these medications might decrease their effectiveness.

Pharmacies provide a necessary service to our community, a service that is severely limited if the Board of Pharmacy decides to discard the current rule in favor of discriminatory and biased practices.

Cameron Michels, Kirkland