Guest Author - Bonnie Sayers

According to the American Pharmacists Association, "The pharmacist is the most accessible and most trusted health professional". This is a statement that does not ring true for those females who have had their prescription for the birth control pill rejected by certain Pharmacists.

I have read that even some Doctors have ceased writing prescriptions as it goes against their beliefs. I personally have not come across any professionals who are taking this stance, but I do urge those who are considering starting the pill to learn more about their Pharmacy and those who fill the prescriptions. You need to find out your Doctors views on this subject and if they would hesitate in writing a prescription.

I find this to be unacceptable behavior for those in these professions and hope that there is further training happening in medical school to cover these situations. Over the years I have been on the pill and never experienced what has been happening across the country the past few years.

During my first marriage in the late 1980s I purchased my pills through a clinic where we received a six month supply. It was a hassle to go through the process of paperwork and counseling and then discuss risks associated with smoking, but at least the area of Beverly Hills was pleasant to be in.

Years later after that marriage dissolved I found the need for the pill again and was able to get supplies through the Gynecologist and then start a prescription the following month or two. I am not sure how it works now, but back then you could get a limited supply from the Doctor so you could start immediately or after your next period.

When choosing a Doctor and prescription plan for those who are in their 20s and 30s this needs to be on the top of your list. Make calls to inquire as to the policy for prescribing the pill before you choose a plan and Doctor or medical group.

I lucked out that the Gynecologist I had several years ago was also on the pill and would discuss issues with me. When in my late 20s I was a smoker so they would have me sign consent forms stating I knew the risks were higher as a smoker taking the pill. Now I believe the risks are for those who are in their 30s, but I am not totally certain since I quit ten years ago and now at 45 no longer on the pill.

It would be nice if those Pharmacists who are associated with organizations like Pharmacists for Life International would be listed in a Directory so that consumers could make decisions based on knowing the background of those who will be filling or refusing to fill Prescriptions. This organization is touting a Pharmacist's Conscience Clause and not supporting the patient by referring them to another Pharmacy or transferring the actual prescription. They refuse to do all these things, yet some keep their jobs.

Those discounts and cash back offers to transfer prescriptions to another chain are good incentives, but they need to be researched before jumping ship with a good Pharmacy to another one to save a few dollars per refill.

Keep apprised of the laws being proposed in your State as new legislation on allowing Pharmacists to refuse filling prescriptions are happening around the Country. This is current in South Dakota, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi. For parents who have college bound children this is a discussion you need to have and maybe the prescription needs to be filled at home before heading off to college.

There are already too many college students dumping newborn babies in dumpsters, not learning about the laws that allow them so many days to drop off a newborn at a Hospital, Fire Department or Police Station with no charges filed against them. Learn more through Safe Place for Newborns where you can click on any State to learn about the laws in place for saving abandoned babies.

Families need to use this vacation break from school to discuss issues with their college aged children. Make sure they have no problems obtaining birth control and that they know the consequences of their actions should they become pregnant and panic later on. These discussions should not be limited to girls, because boys take part in the consent process and need to be involved in the options of contraception.

Read the Health Information provided by Planned Parenthood and get educated now before a prescription is rejected and an unwanted pregnancy is the outcome.

We are the consumers who pay for Insurance and we need to research who is filling our prescriptions and who is restricting our right to medical treatment and options we choose for ourselves. Now might be the time to change Physicians or Pharmacies based on your findings. Good luck in the New Year with all the choices out there.