The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Dr. Dora Ig-Izevbekhai and Dr. Rachel Scott, two Minnesota pharmacists, to fight for Minnesota pharmacists right to practice pharmacy and practice their faith.
Both pharmacists hold deep religious objections to dispensing prescriptions that cause abortions or facilitate gender transition. For years, they worked at Walgreens without issues by politely declining to fill these prescriptions and having colleagues fill them.
Recently, Walgreens told the plaintiffs that these accommodations violated Minnesota law as administered by the Board of Pharmacy. The company fired Dr. Scott and sharply reduced Dr. Ig-Izevbekhai’s hours and pay. Today, she can only work in non-dispensing roles in Minnesota and may dispense prescriptions in Wisconsin.
Walgreens relied on Minnesota Administrative Rule 6800.2250, subp. 1(C), which labels a pharmacist’s refusal to dispense any prescription “that may reasonably be expected” as unprofessional conduct. While the law clearly protects pharmacists who refuse to assist with abortions, the Board has failed to clarify whether pharmacists may object to dispensing gender-transition drugs, leaving them vulnerable to employer retaliation.
“Pharmacists deserve to practice their profession without abandoning their faith,” said Doug Seaton, UMLC President. “The Board has placed these pharmacists—and many others—under threat of termination for following their conscience. This lawsuit protects their right to practice pharmacy consistent with deeply held religious beliefs.”
UMLC asks the court to declare that Minnesota law only requires pharmacists to dispense what may reasonably be expected in ordinary pharmacy practice. The law must account for conscientious objections, professional judgment, and practical considerations. If the state requires pharmacists to violate their faith, UMLC argues it breaches both federal and state Free Exercise protections.
