Louisiana classifies abortion pills as controlled DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

By lauraharris // 2024-05-28

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Louisiana has become the first state in the United States to classify two abortion-inducing medications as controlled dangerous substances after Gov. Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 276 a day after the State Legislature sent it to his desk. Mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in a chemical abortion regimen, is usually taken to block the action of progesterone, a hormone secreted by the mother's body to nourish the child in the womb. Mifepristone kills the baby in the womb by deteriorating the lining of the uterus and cutting off blood and nutrients to the developing fetus. After this, the second drug misoprostol is then taken. Misoprostol will then cause contractions and bleeding, forcing the expulsion of the now-dead baby from the uterus. In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone and misoprostol as safe and effective for terminating pregnancies. Back then, medical experts widely agreed that neither drug posed an addiction hazard. (Related: PILL HOARDERS: Maryland officials buy $1.2M worth of abortion pills prior to impending nationwide ban.) But in SB 276 these medications are designated as Schedule IV drugs. The category, which is reserved for substances such as painkillers and mood-altering medications, requires greater oversight due to the potential for abuse or dependence. By reclassifying mifepristone and misoprostol, the law places them in the same category as anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and Valium. The classification of these drugs as Schedule IV substances was added to the legislation after it initially passed out of the State Senate. State Sen. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport) proposed the legislation after his sister was reportedly given misoprostol against her will. The law mandates that giving abortion medication to a person without their consent would be considered a crime. Meanwhile, possession of the drugs without a valid prescription could lead to a felony charge, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. However, the legislation exempts pregnant women in possession of the drugs for their own consumption from penalties and allows Louisiana doctors to continue prescribing the drugs. But then, a conviction for distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.

SB 276 aims to protect expectant mothers

The bill has sparked significant opposition from nearly 270 Louisiana physicians, healthcare providers and medical students. In a letter to Pressly, the group argued that "neither mifepristone nor misoprostol have been shown to have any potential for abuse, dependence, public health risk, nor high rates of adverse side effects." Additionally, critics argue that the bill could severely restrict access to essential care for women. Michelle Erenberg, the executive director of the reproductive rights group Lift Louisiana, described the legislation as a "legitimate attempt to address a terrible crime" that had been "hijacked by anti-abortion activists." "It is absurd that the state would continue to pass laws that will delay access to timely care for pregnant patients when we have one of the highest maternal death rates in the country," she said. But Pressly, along with GOP lawmakers and anti-abortion groups, defended the legislation. Pressly said the law would not interfere with the legitimate prescribing or dispensing of the drugs. Instead, the bill aims to protect expectant mothers. "This legislation is intended to stop the abortion industry from profiting off of abuse and trafficking of vulnerable women through their flagrantly illegal distribution of pills," said Sarah Zagorski, communications director for Louisiana Right to Life. Visit Abortions.news for more stories about abortion drugs such as mifepristone and misoprostol. Watch this video that talks about the Supreme Court's decision to restore access to mifepristone. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com.

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SB 276 aims to protect expectant mothers

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