Paul Linton, Special Counsel with the Thomas Moore Society, says in 2002 their client, a Menominee pharmacist, refused to fill a prescription for birth control pills because of conscientious objections. The woman complained and ultimately the Pharmacy Examine Board reprimanded the man with a fine of $ 21,000 to pay for procedural costs. When a circuit court then upheld the board rulings, Linton says they took to an appellate court. The higher court also upheld the discipline but order the cost of the $21,000 fee to be recalculated.
This week, the Thomas Moore Society has asked the State Supreme Court to hear the case. Although Linton says the ratio of petitions to be heard by the high court is only about 4%, he believes similar cases in other parts of the US may help pave the way for this one.
"There is a lot of interest in this issue of pharmacy conscience rights around the country. There are a few other cases that have brought in other states."
The Supreme Court has not determined whether it will take the case.