Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill on Friday categorizing two common abortion-inducing medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, as controlled dangerous substances under Schedule IV of the state’s law. This legislation makes Louisiana the only state to place these medications in this classification.
The bill was approved by the Senate in a 29-7 vote on Thursday before being signed into law by Governor Landry. The measure aims to safeguard women in Louisiana by criminalizing the possession of these medications without valid prescriptions, punishable by up to five years in prison. However, pregnant individuals obtaining these medications for their own use would not face prosecution.
Support for the bill came from anti-abortion groups, while medical professionals and abortion rights advocates expressed concern. Louisiana prohibits both medication and surgical abortions, except in limited circumstances.
President Joe Biden denounced the bill as “outrageous,” attributing it to the impact of Trump’s actions on Roe v. Wade. Medical professionals highlighted the essential uses of these medications beyond abortion, such as aiding in labor, treating miscarriages, and preventing ulcers.
The law also prohibits the coerced use of abortion medications without consent, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison. The legislation was amended to classify the medications as controlled substances after initial Senate approval.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Thomas Pressly, shared a personal story of his sister’s experience with abortion medication being used without her consent. He emphasized the need to protect women from such actions.
Opponents of the bill raised concerns about potential barriers to accessing these medications and delays in care for women. They argued that the reclassification could hinder rural clinics’ ability to provide these medications.
Louisiana Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization, praised the new law as a means to protect women. However, State Senator Royce Duplessis cautioned that the bill’s broad scope could have negative consequences for women’s healthcare.
Abortion is heavily restricted in Louisiana, with limited exceptions for cases threatening a pregnant person’s life or health. The bill’s passage makes Louisiana the only state to classify these medications as controlled substances, drawing criticism from medical professionals for being scientifically unfounded.
Dr. Jennifer Avegno, a healthcare provider in New Orleans, emphasized the safety and effectiveness of these medications for various medical purposes beyond abortion. Over 250 doctors expressed concerns about the bill’s implications, citing the need for evidence-based policies in healthcare decisions.
