ACTION ALERT SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE
Dear Concerned Women for America of Washington Members,
Many of you will remember from previous alerts and newsletters the situation with an Olympia pharmacy that refused to purchase and make available an abortifacient pharmaceutical. Both the pharmacy owner and individual pharmacists working for him refused to participate in the practice of abortion, due to their personal, religious objections to abortion.
To review, in 2006, the Washington State Board of Pharmacy proposed rules that would protect the right of conscience. Then in 2007, due to pressure by the governor, Planned Parenthood and other abortion interest groups, the Board passed regulations to require pharmacies to dispense drugs such as Plan B, thus forcing all pharmacies and pharmacists to purchase, stock and distribute pharmaceuticals that denied their freedom of conscience. Almost immediately a lawsuit was filed to restore pharmacists’ conscience rights. The lawsuit is now on hold while the Board of Pharmacy considers re-writing their rules to potentially accommodate for the protection of conscience.
These individuals have paid dearly in defense of their First Amendment rights. They have refused to bow to Caesar, so to speak, as well as to public peer pressure. Now it is time for us to step out in their support again.
First, please pray that the Board of Pharmacy will allow for individual citizens to act according to their own consciences with regard to moral decisions and that this case will serve as a worthy witness to our state’s culture, promoting and protecting not only Constitutional but also Biblical values.
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” 1 Peter 3:14-16
Second, consider attending the Board of Pharmacy rule writing workshop and giving oral testimony. The final opportunity to participate is this coming Wednesday, September 29, 2010, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Center Point Commons Conference Center, 20809 72nd Avenue South in Kent, Washington 98032
Please share this information with other concerned citizens, then pray and attend this hearing. If pharmacy owners and individual pharmacists do not succeed in retaining their freedom of conscience, all citizens are at risk. Doctors and nurses have already been forced to participate in or been fired over the abortion controversy. Right of conscience is a First Amendment issue. Our religious liberty is at risk. Please fight on your knees for both these freedoms for each and every American citizen.
Thank you for your support of Concerned Women for America of Washington as we strive to protect and promote Biblical values in our state’s culture. May God bless you as you stand in the gap for Him until His return.
In His Service,
Maureen Richardson, State Director
P. O. Box 143 Woodinville, WA 98072
425-869-1923