He signed the controversial bill.
Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, endorsed and enacted a bill last Friday that designates two commonly used abortion-inducing medications as controlled dangerous substances in the state.
This legislative move makes Louisiana unique among states, placing mifepristone and misoprostol under Schedule IV of the state’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. The bill, which received a 29-7 vote in the Senate, garnered support from anti-abortion groups while raising concerns among medical professionals and abortion-rights activists, especially given Louisiana’s restrictive abortion laws.
Under the new law, unauthorized possession of these medications carries penalties of up to five years in prison, although individuals seeking abortion care would not face prosecution. Schedule IV substances typically include narcotics, depressants, muscle relaxants, and certain stimulants used for medical purposes like treating ADHD and aiding weight loss.
Critics, including President Joe Biden, have denounced the bill as alarming and linked it to broader debates over reproductive rights, particularly in light of recent changes in federal policy. Medical professionals argue that mifepristone and misoprostol have vital uses beyond abortion, such as managing miscarriages and aiding childbirth, and fear that the law could hinder access to necessary care.
The legislation also addresses instances of coerced abortion, criminalizing the use of these medications to induce abortion without the pregnant person’s consent, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Thomas Pressly, cited personal motivation for the legislation, recounting a case involving his sister, whose estranged husband administered abortion medication without her consent. This incident underscores the bill’s intent to protect individuals from such coercion and misuse of medication.
While advocates like Louisiana Right to Life laud the law as a safeguard for women, opponents argue that it could impede access to essential healthcare services, particularly for rural communities. Democratic State Sen. Royce Duplessis voiced concerns about potential delays in care and the broader implications for healthcare access in Louisiana, a state already grappling with poor health outcomes.
Despite the bill’s passage, controversy persists over its implications for healthcare and reproductive rights in Louisiana. Doctors and advocates continue to emphasize the medical necessity and safety of these medications, advocating for policies grounded in evidence-based healthcare practices rather than ideology.
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