Morning after pill slowly becoming more available

The Post-Coital Pill, more commonly known as 'the morning after pill' is now available in some Arizona pharmacies. The law, which was passed in August, states that any woman 18 years of age or older can receive the drug over the counter if she can prove her age and identity through a photo ID. Due to legal processes and shipping, the drug is now showing up in a few Arizona pharmacies. Mel, a Walgreens pharmacist who asked not to be identified, said that her store does have the morning after pill stocked and a great deal of women have been coming to purchase it. She said she thinks there are many customers wanting the pill because the pharmacy is located so close to Arizona State University. Mel said that after the law was passed, 15-20 women were calling daily to see if the pill was available. After the pharmacy has confirmed the age of the woman, she will receive a dose of two pills. One is taken right away and the next 12 hours later. One dose costs about $45 and only one dose can be given to a customer per visit. The pills must be taken within three days of unprotected sex. Many pharmacies do not yet have the drug stocked and available. Chris Adams, a pharmacist at the Walgreens located at Southern and McClintock said that he was told his store would be receiving the pill in November. Adam Mooberly, a pharmacist at the 19th Avenue and Indian School Road pharmacy said that his store had none stocked and was not sure when the pharmacy would be receiving any. The availability of the pill is limited. Walgreens has announced that it will only stock one dose per pharmacy. Also, a spokesmen for Fry's Food and Drug Stores said their pharmacies will only keep two doses available. The pill has brought forth much controversy. In late October, a 20-year-old rape victim in Tucson became headline news when, after being raped, she tried to obtain the morning after pill for three days. After calling dozens of pharmacies, she found one that had it stocked. When she asked to receive the prescription, she was told that the pharmacist would not administer it because of religious and moral beliefs. Gov. Janet Napolitano has vetoed a bill in the past that would allow a pharmacist to deny patients based on religious and moral beliefs.