Americans United for Life filed suit on behalf of pharmacy owner Luke Vander Bleek of Morrison, Illinois against Gov. Rod Blagojevich over his emergency rule issued April 1, 2005 requiring pharmacies to dispense contraceptives and abortifacient drugs such as the morning-after pill "without delay."
According to the Christian Post, several lawsuits have been filed against the emergency rule. Pro-life pharmacists have received support in their opposition to Blagojevich’s rule, stating that the rule violates their rights under the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act.
The AUL suit alleges in part that the Governor's emergency rule violates the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act by compelling pharmacy owners who do not want to carry drugs such as the morning-after pill that can cause abortions to act against its ethical and moral beliefs in dispensing such drugs. The suit also challenges the ability of the Governor to require health care providers to violate their conscience or choose another career.
AUL attorneys believe that if the Governor's rule is allowed to stand, the rights of conscience of all health care providers in the state are in jeopardy.
Edward R. Martin, Jr., attorney and director of the Center for the Rights of Conscience at Americans United for Life said, "Luke Vander Bleek is suing to protect his rights as an American—his right to build a business, contribute to society as a health care professional, and to live according to his principles. The Governor is trampling the rights of health care professionals and small business owners through his emergency rule."
Martin continued, "This case seeks to defend the right of individuals to be free from the Governor's coercive and politically-motivated action. No longer can people like Luke Vander Bleek decide to not participate in an act they find to be morally objectionable without shuttering their business and changing careers."
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