End of the 'conscience clause': Pharmacists are stripped of their right to refuse drugs on religious grounds

Pharmacists can't refuse to dispense contraceptives or certain drugs because of moral objections.

The conscience clause allowing them to refer the patient to a colleague has now ruled out are not compatible with the

requirement that pharmacists provide ' person-centered ' care. The General Council owned the pharmacist (GPhC) says that the new system means that it is necessary for the treatment

of his clients ' is not interrupted because of personal values and beliefs '. The changes concerned Christians and medical professionals who are eager to retain the right to pharmacists in their beliefs and their religious ethics.

It will affect those who currently refuse to supply the pill the next day which is considered medication abortion.

After consultation, the GPhC published a paper this week's explanation says that the rules in the future if they need their own pharmacists ' recognize the values and beliefs that others impose on

them '. It should be ' responsible for ensuring that care is centred not disturbed '. GPhC add rule ' tip the balance that supports the needs and rights of the person in your care ' and a list of drugs that can affect as contraceptives, fertility drugs, hormone therapy, Health and mental health Services, substance abuse and sexual health services.

Christians say to replace the right reference with ' duty to issue a ' mendiskriminasi a pharmacist with the ethical beliefs of minorities.

Dr Peter Saunders, a former surgeon who directs the Christian medical Fellowship, said: ' the question is whether they should force pharmacists to channel drugs by what they see as unethical practices, gender reassignment, emergency contraception and abortion or even, legislation will not be, with assisted suicide.

' Or if they retain the right to exercise freedom of conscience with this colleague refer or reject '.

He said the GPhC ' using a sledgehammer to crack a nut '. Yesterday's Catholic Bishops issued a statement adding the opposition. Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, the right Reverend Paul Mason said: ' it is our primary concern in relation to the nature of consciousness. ' Seems to imply that a conscientious objection, whether motivated by religious or other concerns, is a constraint to ensure patient-centered care.