‘Morning-after pill’ rule still suspended

SAN FRANCISCO – Federal appeals judges are refusing to immediately reinstate Washington’s rule that religious objections can’t block sales of the “morning-after pill.”

A federal judge in Tacoma suspended the rule last year, after pharmacists and a drug store owner sued. The opponents have religious objections to “morning-after” birth control’s interference with conception.

The pill, sold as Plan B, can dramatically lower chances of pregnancy if it’s taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

It’s different from the abortion pill RU-486, and has no effect on women who already are pregnant.

The state and supporters wanted federal appeals judges to lift the suspension while it’s being challenged. But in a 2-1 decision, a panel of judges has refused.