Louisiana lawmakers have passed a groundbreaking bill that would reclassify two abortion-inducing drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, as controlled dangerous substances. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by the governor, has stirred controversy.
Proponents argue that the reclassification would safeguard expectant mothers from coerced abortions. However, critics, including numerous doctors, contend that it could impede access to vital reproductive healthcare services and potentially lead to treatment delays.
If signed into law, Louisiana would join other Republican-led states in imposing stricter regulations on abortion drugs. Currently, Louisiana already mandates a prescription for these medications and criminalizes their use to induce abortions in most cases. The proposed bill would elevate the drugs to Schedule IV status, requiring doctors to obtain a specific license to prescribe them.
While supporters assert that the reclassification would deter unauthorized use of the drugs, opponents raise concerns about potential barriers to access. Over 200 doctors in the state have expressed apprehensions about the bill’s implications, citing potential adverse effects on patient care and outcomes.
Apart from abortion, mifepristone and misoprostol have various medical uses, such as treating miscarriages and inducing labor. Notably, these drugs are not classified as controlled substances at the federal level due to their perceived low risk of misuse.
The bill has sparked polarized reactions, with abortion opponents and conservative Republicans applauding it while Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, condemn it as “absolutely unconscionable.” The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature, who has indicated support for the measure.
Despite the potential impact of the bill, a recent survey indicates that many women in states with abortion restrictions are accessing abortion pills through mail-order services from states with more lenient laws. However, the extent of such cases in Louisiana remains unspecified.
Louisiana’s near-total abortion ban permits exceptions only in cases where the mother’s life or health is at risk or in instances of medically futile pregnancies. Currently, 14 states enforce similar bans on abortion, albeit with limited exceptions.