From: "WSPA Message Service" <Listserver@wsparx.org>
To: "WSPA Message Service" <Listserver@wsparx.org>
Subject: WSPA Response to NARAL's 2008 Emergency Contraception Access
Project Report
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:34:04 -0800

WSPA Response to NARAL’s 2008 Emergency Contraception Access Project Report

Feb. 15, 2008

The Washington State Pharmacy Association is appalled by the sloppy data collection process and inaccurate conclusions about pharmacists reached in NARAL’s 2008 Emergency Contraception Access Project Report.

The data NARAL released is littered with errors, out-of-date information and inaccuracies, including:

·         The report marked about 30 pharmacy locations two different colored flags, indicating that they both stock Plan B and do not stock Plan B.

·         Some pharmacies listed are out-of- business or have changed ownership.

·         Since the report was released, some pharmacies’ flags have changed color.

·         Many pharmacies listed as not stocking Plan B have not had any patient demand for the medication but would stock it if their patients asked for it.

·         Some pharmacies were assumed to be an access risk because they employ a pharmacist who refuses to dispense it. But these pharmacies staff multiple pharmacists per shift to ensure their patients receive their medications.

·         We have confirmed many pharmacies that were reported as not stocking Plan B actually do so.

WSPA is committed to increasing patient access to emergency contraception and does not dispute NARAL’s claim that women should be able to access their medications. If NARAL wanted to help patients gain access, they would work with healthcare providers to identify and promote opportunities to access emergency contraception. Instead NARAL has chosen to broadcast inaccurate survey results which erroneously paints a picture of an access crisis that simply does not exist.

NARAL’s recent survey results are an assault on the credibility of hundreds of Washington’s pharmacists. NARAL’s irresponsible accusations erode the patient-pharmacist relationship that is an integral part of the healthcare system. Any disruption of this relationship puts patients at risk. If even one patient hesitates to seek care from a pharmacy because of these false reports, NARAL has done great harm.

Jeff Rochon, Pharm.D.

Director of Professional Development

Washington State Pharmacy Association