Has Governor Blagojevich Crossed the Line?

Here's what the Illinois Federation for Right to Life Has to Say.

Illinois Federation for Right to Life Statement on Governor Blagojevich's Emergency Order Forcing Pharmacists to Dispense Abortifacients

Governor Blagojevich on April 1st, issued an emergency order requiring pharmacists to dispense the abortifacient "morning-after pill" that violates their religious beliefs. This order violates a number of laws, including the Health Care Right of Conscience Act (which makes it unlawful for any public official to discriminate or punish any person who refuses to "participate in any way in any particular form of health care services contrary to his or her conscience"), the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the Illinois Human Right Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The emergency rule is in effect for 150 days, after which time it is expected to be made permanent.

The face-off between pharmacists and the governor began after a Loop Osco pharmacist denied two women the Plan B abortifacient morning-after pill. From this Governor Blagojevich is now forcing pharmacists to choose between adhering to their religious beliefs or violating law as set forth by the governor.

The Illinois Pharmacists Association Executive Director Michael Patton, in a letter to the governor April 5, argued that the governor's order "requires pharmacists and pharmacy operators to comply with one specific set of beliefs." He added that forcing pharmacists to act against their deeply-held religious beliefs "is a recipe for disaster."

The Illinois Federation for Right to Life feels that Governor Blagojevich has crossed the line and abused the power of the office of governor and joins with others in urging the governor to suspend the April 1st Emergency Order immediately.

Bonnie Quirke (President, IFRL)
The Illinois Federation for Right to Life
1104 Milton Road Alton, IL 62002
Ph. 618-465-7655
Fx. 618-465-7788
www.ifrl.org

Feel free to contact Governor Blagojevich and let him know what your opinion is on this.

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
Governor's Office
Mailing Address: Office of the Governor
207 State House Springfield, IL 62706
Telephone: (217) 782-0244
TTY (888) 261-3336
e-mail: mailto:governor@state.il.us

I don't have his Chicago address, where he really resides, as he refuses to live in the governor's mansion, but I am sure this will get to him.
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