A recent Louisiana bill has stirred controversy by seeking to classify abortion-inducing drugs, misoprostol and mifeprostone, as Schedule IV controlled dangerous substances. This classification would place these drugs in the same category as highly regulated substances like narcotics and depressants.
The amendment to categorize these drugs was added to a Senate bill that aims to criminalize the unauthorized administration of abortion medication to individuals. The bill sponsor, Republican state Sen. Thomas Pressly, cited a personal incident involving his sister being given misoprostol against her will as the motivation behind the legislation.
It is important to note that abortion is already prohibited in Louisiana without exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The proposed bill has faced opposition from a group of nearly 270 Louisiana physicians, health care providers, and medical students who expressed concerns about the reclassification of these drugs.
The physicians highlighted that neither mifepristone nor misoprostol have demonstrated potential for abuse, dependence, or significant public health risks. They emphasized that these drugs are widely prescribed and safely used, questioning the need for additional regulation.
In response to these concerns, Sen. Pressly clarified that the legislation would not restrict the legitimate prescription or dispensation of misoprostol or mifepristone. He reassured that healthcare for women would not be compromised by the proposed reclassification.
Medication abortion involves the use of mifepristone to block the hormone progesterone necessary for pregnancy continuation, followed by misoprostol to induce contractions. Misoprostol, approved for various medical conditions, has been available at pharmacies for many years.
If passed, the bill would make unauthorized possession of these drugs a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of $5,000. However, pregnant women in possession of these drugs for personal use would be exempt from prosecution, and healthcare providers could still prescribe them.
Under Louisiana law, the distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs carries severe penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of $15,000. Lawmakers have until June 3 to finalize the legislation before it goes to Gov. Jeff Landry for approval.
