US HHS: Pharmacies Must Fill Reproductive Health Prescriptions
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A pack of PlanB One-Step, an emergency contraceptive pill, is seen in security packaging at a CVS pharmacy in Washington, U.S., July 7, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo
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WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) – The Biden administration said on Wednesday that refusing to fill prescriptions for drugs that can be used to terminate a pregnancy could be a violation of federal law, regardless of various state bans .
The Department of Health and Human Services said in new guidelines that pharmacies and pharmacists could violate pregnancy and disability discrimination laws by denying access to drugs that can be used for abortion, including those used in medical abortion and emergency contraceptives.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone can access health care, without discrimination,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “This includes access to prescription drugs for reproductive health and other types of care.”
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Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein Editing by Chizu Nomiyama
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