ACLU: Walgreens Agrees To Fill Birth Control Prescriptions Promptly

FOR THE RECORD: This story was incorrect when it reported that Walgreens created new policies as a result of its discussions with the ACLU, according to the company. Instead, Walgreens has provided assurances it will enforce long-standing company policies intended to ensure that all prescriptions, including birth control medications, are filled “without imposing any burden on the customer,” even in cases where a pharmacist has religious or ethical objections, the company said in a written statement Wednesday.

An Albuquerque pharmacist’s refusal to fill a birth control prescription last year led to an agreement this week between the nationwide pharmacy chain and two New Mexico advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union announced.

Walgreen Co. has agreed to adopt new policies to ensure that customers nationwide can get a birth control prescription filled promptly, even if an individual pharmacist refuses to do so, the ACLU said in a written statement issued Tuesday.

Walgreens also provided training to store personnel to ensure their understanding of the policy, the statement said.

Susanne Koestner of Albuquerque alleged in June that a pharmacist at a Walgreens at Central and Eubank NE refused to fill her prescription for Mononessa, a common birth control pill, citing his religious beliefs.