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Grace's Story
Living in one of the "most liberal" areas of Seattle, Washington, Grace never expected to face a pharmacy refusal. She'd heard that emergency contraception was available over the counter to women over 17, and when she and her fiancé needed EC because of a condom failure, she assumed she would be able to get the medication she needed. But when she walked to a Rite-Aid drug store in her neighborhood, the pharmacist informed her that although he had EC in the store, he would not sell it to her because he found it to be "wrong." She had to convince him to call around and find another pharmacy where she could get EC.
Grace was "stunned" by the pharmacist's response. She found the National Women's Law Center online and told us her story through our "Share Your Story" campaign. We immediately got in touch with her to hear what happened, explain the law in her state, and talk through options with her. We communicated her story to people at Rite-Aid’s corporate headquarters, who subsequently disciplined the pharmacist who refused Grace. They also re-trained all pharmacy staff on the national Rite-Aid EC policy, which ensures that the customer receives the medication in store, without discrimination or delay. Because Grace spoke up, we were able to help make sure that other customers seeking EC at Rite-Aid won’t be turned away.
"The pharmacist had his own personal opinions, which is fine," said Grace. "But that pharmacist was choosing my rights for me, and that's wrong." |
