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Bill would bar Mo. pharmacies from being forced to sell "morning after" pill

A "morning-after" pill package.
(Flickr Creative Commons User meddygarnet)
A "morning-after" pill package.

The bill is sponsored by GOP House Member David Sater, who owned and operated apharmacy in Barry County for 30 years.  He says it would not bar pharmacies from selling the so-called "morning after" pill, but would guarantee their right NOT to if the owners so choose.

"I think any retail business would be affronted...if state government or federal government came in and told them that they had to sell a certain product," Sater said. "We still live in a free country, and we're just trying to keep it (as) free as possible."

Paula Gianino is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of St. Louis and Southwest Missouri.

"The vague language in this bill can be used for pharmacies to find a way to use their own personal, religious and moral decisions and convictions to cut off access from women all over this state to even birth control services," Gianino said.

Marshal was a political reporter for St. Louis Public Radio until 2018.