Rep. Burchett Introduces PEARL Act to Protect Pharmacists Who Refuse to Provide Abortion Drugs
The PEARL Act is in the early stages of the legislative process after being sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on April 19, 2026. The bill is currently stalled because it needs a committee vote to move forward, and most bills do not receive this step. No further action has occurred since the bill was introduced.
This bill deals with a very controversial topic and is unlikely to get the support needed to pass through a divided Congress.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
People seeking medication abortions could face delays or outright inability to fill prescriptions if their local pharmacist refuses to dispense mifepristone or misoprostol on religious grounds. This could be especially challenging in rural areas or places with few pharmacies, where patients may have limited alternatives. The bill does not require pharmacists to refer patients elsewhere, potentially leaving some people without a clear path to obtaining legally prescribed medication.
“a pharmacist (including a pharmacist employed by a private business or government agency) shall not be required to dispense or sell, nor be subject to any punishment (including revocation of a license to practice pharmacy or the withdrawal of Federal funding) for choosing not to dispense or sell, the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol for abortion services”
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
PEARL Act
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