Contraceptions/Aboritificant for a Pharmacist?

[RHannosh619]

Hello, I’m going to school right now working towards my bachelors. After I receieve my bachelors I know I want to go to pharmacy school to become a pharmacist.

At pharmacies, many types of contraception and pills(some abortificants) are dispensed to patients. I know one day when I become a pharmacist, I am going to have to face the challenge of selling this stuff even though it goes completely against my Catholic faith.

I’m not asking whether or not its a sin, because I know it is not, since that is what the job entails, I’m just wondering if anyone has any tips or experiences they could share about something like this.

I told a friend I would have NFP pamphlets available so that patients can see that there are alternatives, but he told me never to try to persuade the patient to try it as an alternative. I definitely agree with that as well.

Any good advice?

 

[1ke]

I’m not asking whether or not its a sin, because I know it is not, since that is what the job entails, I’m just wondering if anyone has any tips or experiences they could share about something like this.

Any good advice?

Well, apparently you should be asking such questions. You are not correct.

See Cooperation with evil.

A Catholic doctor cannot morally prescribe such drugs nor a Catholic pharmacist dispense them.

Resource:
pfli.org/

allbusiness.com/membership-organizations/professional-membership/4032078-1.html

See these articles:

lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jun/06060611.html

pharmalot.com/2007/10/pope-to-catholic-pharmacists-use-conscientious-objection/

tldm.org/News11/Pharmacists’RightsOfConscienceMustBeRespected.htm

 

[Janet_S]

If you become a pharmacist, be upfront with your employer about your beliefs and what you are not willing to do. If a potential employer is aware of what you will and will not do, and agrees to hire you anyway, get it in writing so they don’t fire you when you refuse to dispense a prescription. Ultimately, it’s up to us to dispense a medication or not. It’s true from a medical perspective and it’s true from a moral one as well.

I’m a pharmacist and a Catholic, and to be honest, it is hard to be both. No matter where you work in a retail setting, you will be asked to dispense birth control pills (BCP’s). BCP’s are sometimes used for medical conditions rather than for contraception, and if a pharmacist is aware of a legitimate medical use --for example endometriosis–there is nothing morally wrong with that. But when BCP’s are used to prevent pregnancy–which is true in most cases–that’s a problem. The reason why is that BCP’s have interceptive action–they prevent the implantation of a fertilized ovum-- in addition to their contraceptive action of preventing ovulation. This is a problem since life begins at the moment of conception; not at the moment of implantation.

Also, the FDA just approved a new morning after pill called “Ella,” available by prescription, that is a progesterone blocker. This is a big problem since it is a true abortifacient.

Another problematic morning after pill is Plan B, a high dose BCP available over the counter. It has both contraceptive and interceptive actions like other BCP’s along with the same moral problems.

Also, there are 2 states (Oregon and Washington) that allow assisted suicide, and pharmacists are expected to fill these prescriptions as well.

Unless you want to start your own pharmacy (without BCP’s or morning after pills), your best bet right now is to work in a hospital, home care pharmacy, or a nursing home. At least that way you won’t be expected to dispense contraceptives and abortifacients. In the future, the pressure for euthanasia may increase, and those setting may become more problematic, but at the present time, I have not found that to be true.

Good luck.

 

[casey_zia]

I have several friends who are pharmacists and practicing Catholics. They have an agreement with their employers that they cannot dispense BCPs or abortifacient drugs. They either ask another pharmacist (working the same shift) to fill the prescription, or, if they are temporarily working alone, they ask the client to come back later to get their prescription when there is a pharmacist available who would fill it. Some clients are angry, but most aren’t, and the employer recognizes a good and hardworking pharmacist and makes the necessary concessions to retain their empoyees.

1ke gave some good links, to help you develop moral decisions and direction early in your pharmaceutical career. There are also groups formed (lobby groups, support groups) for prolife and/or Catholic pharmacists.

God bless!

 

[RHannosh619]

I definitely like the post above me…

I’m sure I could definitely work something out like that after being hired(in the early stages of employment, of course)

I’m actually scheduled to take my pharmacy technician certification exam tomorrow so pray for me guys! It will lead me one step to actually becoming a pharmacist!