As reported here by The Associated Press, a federal judge tossed out the Washington state Pharmacy Board’s dispensing rule today, which required pharmacies to stock and dispense medications such as Plan B – a morning-after birth-control bill. The ruling by Judge Ronald Leighton was a victory for the Stormans family that refused to stock the pills – citing religious objections – at its Olympia pharmacy.

Gov. Chris Gregoire put out a statement, making clear an appeal is possible:

The purpose of the Board of Pharmacy rule is to ensure safe and timely access to lawful and lawfully prescribed medications, with particular concern about time sensitive medications. I remain concerned about the impacts on patients if pharmacies are allowed to refuse to dispense lawfully prescribed or lawful medications to patients. I am especially concerned about those living in rural areas, many of whom may have few alternatives and could suffer lengthy delays in receiving medication or go without entirely.