There’s a new twist in the debate over religious freedom in America. In several states, pharmacists have been fired for refusing to fill birth control prescriptions. They claim it’s a matter of religious belief and they should be protected accordingly. Now the question is moving from pharmacies, and doctor’s offices to a dozen state legislatures where “conscience laws” are being debated.
One such law recently passed the Michigan House of Representatives. It is called the Conscientious Objector Act and it allows health care workers to “opt out” of dispensing morning after pills, or performing organ transplants, or getting close to stem cell research, if these matters violate their personal religious beliefs.
Guests:
Chris Kolb, Michigan State Representative (D-Ann Arbor)
Dr. Michael Grodin, Medical Ethicist at Boston Medical Center
Karen Brauer, pharmacist
Teresa Collett, Professor of Law at the University of St. Thomas.