The state of Louisiana has passed a bill that reclassifies mifepristone and misoprostol, commonly known as “abortion pills,” as controlled and dangerous substances. Supporters of the bill believe that this reclassification will protect expectant mothers from coerced abortions. However, many doctors have voiced concerns that this will make it harder for them to prescribe these medications for other important reproductive health care needs and could potentially delay treatment. The bill would require doctors to have a specific license to prescribe the drugs and could result in the drugs being stored in facilities that are far from rural clinics.
Currently, Louisiana has a near-total abortion ban in place that applies to both surgical and medical abortions. This reclassification of the abortion pills could potentially open the door for other Republican states with similar abortion bans to seek tighter restrictions on the drugs. The bill would place mifepristone and misoprostol on the list of Schedule IV drugs under the state’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, making it harder to obtain the pills without a valid prescription. Knowingly possessing the drugs without a prescription could result in hefty fines and jail time.
Despite claims from supporters of the bill that it would prevent unlawful use of the pills, more than 200 doctors in the state have signed a letter warning that it could create barriers to prescribing appropriate treatment and could cause unnecessary fear and confusion among patients and doctors. Delaying access to these medications could lead to worsening outcomes in a state that has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. In addition to inducing abortions, mifepristone and misoprostol are used for treating miscarriages, inducing labor, and stopping hemorrhaging.
These abortion pills are not classified as controlled substances by the federal government because regulators do not view them as carrying a significant risk of misuse. They are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for specific medical purposes, such as ending early pregnancies and treating stomach ulcers. The move to reclassify these drugs in Louisiana has been applauded by abortion opponents and conservative Republicans, but criticized by Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments from doctors who oppose abortion and want to restrict access to mifepristone, but the justices did not appear ready to limit access to the drug. The legislation now awaits the signature of conservative Republican Governor Jeff Landry, who has indicated his support for the bill. It is important to note that a recent survey found that women in states with abortion bans or restrictions are receiving abortion pills in the mail from states with laws protecting prescribers, but it is unclear how many of these cases are in Louisiana. Currently, 14 states have bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.
