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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A state Senate committee has narrowly endorsed a bill aimed at requiring pharmacists to fill prescriptions for birth control bills.

State law now allows pharmacists to refuse to dispense medication if they believe it would cause an abortion or be used in a suicide. SB164 says pharmacists cannot use that abortion law to refuse to dispense birth control.

Sen. Ed Olson of Mitchell says government should not interfere with a woman's choice to get birth control. He says access to birth control helps reduce abortions.

But opponents say pharmacists should be protected from punishment if their conscience prevents them from dispensing birth control.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-04-08 1150CST | save this article / add to your favorites list