(ConservativeJournal.org) – Louisiana has become the first state in the US to classify the birth control pills mifepristone and misoprostol as dangerous controlled substances. Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed the bill into law.
According to the law, possession of mifepristone and misoprostol could result in jail time and draconian fines. This has sparked concerns among abortion advocates, who worry that other states might follow Louisiana’s lead. This would further restrict access to these medications, which are used in most medical abortions and over half of all abortions in the US.
The “controlled medications” designation usually applies to medications like Valium and Xanax. The new law not only classifies mifepristone and misoprostol in this category but also makes their possession illegal without a valid prescription.
Mifepristone and misoprostol have been approved by the FDA for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy since 2000. Misoprostol is also used to treat stomach ulcers and manage postpartum haemorrhage. It has been available by prescription for these purposes for decades.
The original goal of the bill was to make it illegal to administer these drugs without permission of an abortion-seeking woman. With most abortions already illegal in Louisiana, this bill further limits women’s access to the procedure.
The passing of the bill was celebrated by anti-abortion groups. However, many doctors have voiced concerns about the impact on other critical uses of these medications beyond abortion. Abortion rights advocates fear that this law could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to impose more restrictions on abortion.
Vice-President Kamala Harris condemned the bill in a social media statement, blaming its passing on Donald Trump. She stated Trump put in power the judges that overturned the national right to abortion through Roe V. Wade some years ago.
The US Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling on national access to mifepristone in the coming weeks. This case is the most significant abortion-related decision before the court since it overturned Roe v. Wade.
Copyright 2024, ConservativeJournal.org
