---
title: "Birth Control and “Conscience Clauses”"
description: "That's the percentage of Americans who oppose allowing pharmacists to refuse to sell birth control pills for religious reasons. Fewer than one-in-five (17%) express support for this type of \"conscience clause\" exemption."
date: "2006-09-18"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2006/09/18/birth-control-and-conscience-clauses/"
---

# Birth Control and “Conscience Clauses”

By more than 4-1, the public says pharmacists who personally oppose birth control for religious reasons should still be required to sell birth control pills to women. Eight-in-10 Americans (80%) oppose allowing pharmacists to refuse to provide birth control, while fewer than one-in-five (17%) express support. No political or religious groups express majority support for this type of conscience clause.[Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/docs/index.php?DocID=150)