Louisiana is pushing forward with a new bill that would categorize abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances, potentially leading to prosecution for those found in possession of the medication without a prescription. This measure was added as a last-minute amendment to a Senate bill that aims to criminalize coerced criminal abortion, where someone administers abortion pills to a pregnant woman without her consent. However, pregnant women taking the drugs for their own use would not be targeted.
This development coincides with an upcoming Supreme Court decision on access to mifepristone and misoprostol, marking a significant abortion-related case since the Roe v. Wade ruling. Abortion is already illegal in Louisiana, encompassing both medication and surgical procedures, and is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Under the proposed legislation, individuals violating these laws could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine.
If the bill is approved and signed into law, mifepristone and misoprostol would fall under the state’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, similar to narcotics and steroids. Concerns have been raised by over 240 doctors in the state regarding this classification, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care for pregnant women and expressing worries about the potential impacts on healthcare outcomes.
The bill, championed by Republican state Sen. Thomas Pressly to combat alleged illegal distribution of abortion-inducing drugs, will now move to the Louisiana House for further consideration. It is anticipated to be passed into law.
