“Fixated as we all are on the war in Iraq, our nervous economy and soaring fuel prices, it is no wonder we didn’t see the assault brewing on a distant flank. Now, we can’t miss the signs of battle as conservatives move to criminalize abortion and restrict access to contraceptives. … Wars are best fought on many levels, employing many strategies. And so it is that the Washington State Pharmacy Board finds itself holding public hearings statewide to decide whether pharmacists deserve a ‘conscience clause’ allowing them to withhold medications in conflict with their convictions. Seventeen other states are considering “conscience clauses.” Pharmacy boards in Wyoming, Nevada, North Carolina and Massachusetts did the right thing and told pharmacists they deserved no such rights. I agree. Call me a cynic, but I’m presuming pharmacists aren’t conflicted over dispensing, say Viagra.” (04/26/06)