By The Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Republican Gov. George Pataki late Thursday vetoed legislation, as promised, that would have allowed pharmacists
to dispense conception-preventing, ``morning-after pills'' to women of any age without them having prescriptions.
Pataki said he was most upset that the measure did not require minors to see a physician.
The governor pledged to work with the bill's sponsors to come up with a measure he would sign.
Pataki's veto came just a few hours after about 100 advocates for emergency contraception rallied outside the state Capitol, calling on the governor to approve the legislation.
Pataki had announced Sunday he would veto the measure when it reached his desk.
Advocates for the bill had said they believe Pataki, with an eye on running for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, is using the veto in an attempt to appeal to conservatives who control the GOP nominating process.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP 08-04-05 1920EDT