SB644 Passes Despite Partisan Politics As Usual in Sacramento
SB644 Passes Despite Partisan Politics As
Usual in Sacramento
Sacramento, May 26, 2005 – The Duty to Dispense Bill (SB 644 – Ortiz) passed through the California State Senate today protecting patients throughout the state when they enter a pharmacy to get their legal prescriptions. Only one senator, Senator Abel Maldonado (R-15th SD), broke with the partisan politics that have plagued California’s political system in recent months and voted to protect Californians’ access to their prescribed medications.
The passage of SB 644 is a huge step for patients in California, yet it highlights a continuing preoccupation with power politics over public policy. It is common sense for a patient to have a valid prescription filled – the rights of California’s patients should not be a partisan issue – yet only one Republican supported this important legislation. Perhaps our elected officials thought having birth control and emergency contraception dispensed in a timely manner would compromise the welfare of the California public.
“In California, we need to cultivate a culture of freedom and personal responsibility and understand that there is common ground in public policy. We must provide individuals the right to make informed personal health care decisions without the interference of politicians or pharmacists who dispense morality, not medicine,” stated Amy Everitt, the State Director of NARAL Pro-Choice California.
“Historically, the Republican Party has stood for values of individual freedom, less government, and personal responsibility. This is a bill in complete accord with these values, and it represents a triumph of good health care over narrow ideology,” said Karla Henderlong, Director of California Pro-Choice Republicans.
SB 644 will ensure that pharmacists fill all legal, valid prescriptions that are presented. If a pharmacy does not carry the requested prescription, the pharmacist will be required to refer the patient to another nearby pharmacy believed to carry the prescription. By protecting timely access to prescriptions, SB 644 takes an important step toward preserving patient rights in the state of California.
SB 644 will now move to the State Assembly for approval before heading to Governor Schwarzenegger’s desk. This bill is co-sponsored by NARAL Pro-Choice California, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, the California Family Health Council and the American Association of University Women. For more information, please contact NARAL Pro-Choice California at 415.890.1020.
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