NorthwestJuly 20, 2000

Associated Press

Pharmacist sues over lack of coverage for contraceptives

SEATTLE -- A pharmacist sued her employer Wednesday for not covering contraceptives in its health plan, saying the drugstore chain's policy amounts to sexual discrimination.

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Jennifer Erickson, 26, filed the lawsuit in federal court against Bartell Drug Co. She intends to seek class-action status for the suit, described as the first of its kind in the nation.

"The suit filed today will affect all of the women employed by Bartell Drug Co.," Erickson said. "But that's not enough. There are 60 million women of childbearing age in this country and I am standing up for them too."

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