Pharmacists could refuse abortion drug sales on religious grounds
In committeeH.R. 8366Latest action
Sponsor: Tim Burchett · Representative · TN
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: PEARL Act
119th Congress
Topics: Rights & liberties
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Pharmacists could legally refuse to fill abortion-related prescriptions for religious reasons and could not be penalized for doing so.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill lets licensed pharmacists refuse to dispense mifepristone or misoprostol for abortion services if doing so conflicts with their sincere religious beliefs. A pharmacist who refuses on those grounds cannot lose their license, face penalties, or have their employer lose federal funding. If a pharmacist is punished anyway or forced to fill such a prescription, they can sue in federal court.
Who does it affect?
This bill applies to licensed pharmacists across the country, whether they work for a private pharmacy or a government agency. It also affects the employers, licensing boards, and government agencies that oversee pharmacists' professional conduct.
Why does it matter?
Patients seeking these medications for abortion services may have difficulty filling their prescriptions if their pharmacist declines. Employers and licensing boards would lose authority to require pharmacists to fill these prescriptions.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 20, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 20, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.