In denying a review of the case, the justices maintained the ruling set by a federal court in July 2015 that upheld a state regulation that requires pharmacies to deliver all prescribed drugs, including contraceptives, in a timely manner.
The Stormans family — the owners of the pharmacy — are devout Christians who believe the “morning after” emergency contraceptive pill equates to abortion. While Washington state permits a religiously objecting individual pharmacist to deny medicine, another pharmacist working at the location must still provide timely delivery.
Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas, wrote a dissent to the court’s decision to reject a review, calling the decision “an ominous sign” for the future of religious liberty claims.
In contrast, the American Civil Liberties Union praised the Supreme Court’s decision.
“When a woman walks into a pharmacy, she should not fear being turned away because of the religious beliefs of the owner or the person behind the counter,” said Louise Melling, deputy legal director of the ACLU.
More articles on legal & regulatory issues:
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