Our role in confronting this reproductive health crisis is to advocate for hematology/oncology pharmacy professionals and cancer patients. The Oath of a Pharmacist places on us the responsibility to advocate for change that improves patient care, and to consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering as primary concerns.
Oncology pharmacists have accepted the responsibility of being cancer medication experts and hold ourselves to the highest degree of professional, legal, and ethical conduct. We disagree with criminalizing patient care; we believe healthcare professionals should practice in a manner that best supports patients, without fear of retribution.
Limiting or restricting reproductive rights limits care options for people who are undergoing treatment for cancer while pregnant, and may limit the ability to deliver cancer therapy safely to patients who must avoid pregnancy during treatment. It obstructs patient access to safe, evidence-based cancer medications that, while highly effective at treating cancer, may also be used in medical abortions. Further, these restrictions make it more difficult for patients who survive cancer treatments to seek effective fertility treatments later.
As part of interdisciplinary cancer care teams:
- We support shared decision-making between patients and their caregivers
- We advocate for equitable access to all health services, including comprehensive screenings and patient-centered treatment choices
- We oppose limiting access to care, which will disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
- We oppose limiting access to appropriate medical care for those living in rural areas, and those with limited resources
- We remain committed to helping patients navigate cancer treatment and supporting hematology/oncology pharmacists involved in their care
About HOPA: The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) supports hematology/oncology pharmacy professionals and promotes the role of the pharmacist in collaborative cancer care. Founded in 2004, HOPA provides crucial education, networking, and advancement opportunities frequently sought by pharmacists, pharmacy interns, residents, fellows, students, technicians, researchers, and administrators who specialize in hematology/oncology pharmacy. Its vision is to ensure that all individuals affected by cancer have a hematology/oncology pharmacist as an integral member of their care team.
