State Board of Pharmacy members in June endorsed a draft rule that allowed pharmacists to refuse filling a prescription if they have personal objections.

They changed course this week, voting in a Thursday meeting to reconsider the draft at the board's August meeting.

"They wanted to have more discussion about the draft and decide if they may want to make any changes based on all the feedback they've been receiving," said Steve Saxe, the pharmacy board's director.

Women's-rights groups say the refusal policy is aimed at emergency contraception, the "morning-after pill" that cuts chances of a pregnancy if taken within a few days of unprotected sex.

Some people who oppose the pill, sold commercially as Plan B, believe its interference with a potential pregnancy is tantamount to abortion.

Current state pharmacy rules are not entirely clear on the issue, which has raised controversy in other states.

Emergency contraception is available at hospitals and without a prescription in Washington state. The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to make the medication available over the counter nationwide.

The draft rule endorsed by state regulators in June says a druggist may not "obstruct a patient in obtaining a lawfully prescribed drug or device," but adds that pharmacists must provide timely alternatives if they "cannot dispense" a prescription.

It does require that pharmacists "provide timely alternatives for the patient to obtain treatment." That could include sending the patient to another pharmacy.

The stance is preferred by the state Pharmacy Association, which believes the draft would codify present practice.

Gregoire and women's-rights groups disagree, saying pharmacists should not be able to refuse a prescription simply because the druggist has a personal moral objection.

Gregoire has warned the panel to reconsider its earlier draft rule, saying it could be overruled by lawmakers and hinting that members could be removed if her wishes were ignored.

The board also has received about 2,400 letters and e-mails about its June decision, with most expressing opposition, Saxe said.

Observers on both sides of the issue applauded the board's Thursday decision.

"I think this is a very controversial issue, a very complicated issue and I think it merits more attention and thought," said Rod Shafer, executive director of the Washington State Pharmacy Association.

"We're pleased with the fact that the board didn't move forward on a rule that the governor had very strong concerns with," said Christina Hulet, a Gregoire policy adviser.