By Chelsea Brasted
In a significant legal shift, Louisiana has become the first state to classify two commonly used abortion-inducing drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, as controlled substances. This controversial new law, which took effect on October 1st, is expected to have far-reaching implications for both healthcare providers and patients across the state.
Why It Matters:
Medical professionals are raising alarms, warning that these new restrictions may delay or obstruct access to life-saving treatments. These two drugs are not only used for medication-induced abortions but also play critical roles in managing various other medical conditions. For instance, misoprostol is frequently used to treat postpartum hemorrhage, prevent ulcers, and induce labor.
Context:
Louisiana’s stance on abortion tightened significantly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The state’s “trigger law” made abortion illegal, and this new legislation further escalates those restrictions by regulating the distribution and storage of mifepristone and misoprostol. Under the law, these drugs must now be stored securely, behind lock and key, in places like maternity units at LCMC Health and the Ochsner Health System, as reported by the Louisiana Illuminator.
The Fine Print:
Individuals found in possession of these drugs without a prescription face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, the law does include a notable exception: pregnant individuals holding these drugs for personal use are not subject to prosecution, even without a prescription.
Background:
The origins of the law are rooted in an effort to address the issue of “coerced criminal abortion.” The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport), proposed the legislation after his sister, who resides in Texas, unknowingly consumed an abortion drug that her husband had slipped into her drink. Originally intended to criminalize giving abortion drugs without consent, the reclassification of the drugs as controlled substances was added as an amendment later in the legislative process.
What’s Next:
The New Orleans City Council has requested the city’s health department to investigate potential delays in medical care stemming from this new law. There is concern that the restrictions could hinder timely medical interventions, particularly in emergency situations.
Broader Implications:
As Louisiana moves forward with these new regulations, it’s possible that other states could adopt similar measures. According to recent studies, the majority of abortions in the U.S. last year were medication-induced, making this an area of increasing legal and medical scrutiny across the country.