From Mr L. G. A. King, MRPharmS
SIR,-Please publish the conscience clause details relating to a pharmacist’s right to refuse to promote or supply so-called "emergency hormonal contraception". Will such a right exist? There is a need to know now.
L. G. A. King
Norwich
The appropriate paragraph relating to "limitations of conscience" can be found in the Society’s Code of Ethics (see "Medicines, ethics and practice - a guide for pharmacists", No 24, July, 2000, p74). Guidance on Obligation 1.1 of the code states: "No patient shall be deprived of pharmaceutical services because of the personal convictions or religious beliefs of a pharmacist. A pharmacist may object on grounds of conscience to the dispensing of certain medicinal products for the control of fertility, conception, or termination of pregnancy. In such cases the patient involved must be advised of an alternative source of pharmaceutical supply. No condemnation of the patient’s requirement should be made and every effort should be made to deal with such a situation in a discreet and confidential manner." - EDITOR.