Illinois pharmacists can adhere to their conscience and religious convictions, according to a recent court ruling.
Former Governor Rod Blagojevich issued an executive order requiring that all pharmacies stock and sell contraceptives, including the morning after pill.
Attorney Frank Manion of the American Center for Law & Justice says two pharmacists filed suit based on religious convictions.
"Luke Vander Bleek and Glenn Kosirog are the names of the two pharmacy owners and they've been fighting this fight since 2005," says Manion.
"So seven years later, we have affirmation by the court of appeals that they had every right to object, and in fact will not be forced, to sell the morning after pill under Illinois' Health Care Right of Conscience Act."
The court's ruling only applies to the two pharmacists who sued, however the precedent will be used in other cases.
"An injunction obtained by these two pharmacists will be used by any subsequent pharmacists, or really any health care professional of any kind, who comes up against a similar rule in Illinois," says the attorney.
"It's hard to believe that the state would be silly enough to try its luck again. Remember now, it's lost at every step of the way for seven years, and so it's hard to believe that they would attempt to enforce such a rule against any other pharmacist going forward."
If the state does move against other health care workers who object on the grounds of religious beliefs, ACLJ states that it will be prepared to defend them.