Louisiana Republicans Move to Criminalize Possession of Abortion Pills

[Social Media]

 

In a significant move reflecting the ongoing nationwide debate over abortion rights, Louisiana Republicans have passed a bill that criminalizes the possession of abortion pills without a prescription. The bill, which classifies the medications mifepristone and misoprostol as dangerous controlled substances, is now awaiting the signature of Republican Governor Jeff Landry, who is expected to approve it.

 

The Louisiana Senate passed the bill with a 29-7 vote, following its earlier approval in the state House. Governor Landry, known for his strong anti-abortion stance, has yet to officially comment on the bill. However, he hinted at his support in a recent social media post, responding to criticism from Vice President Kamala Harris by stating, "You know you’re doing something right when @KamalaHarris criticizes you. This bill protects expectant mothers while also allowing these drugs to be prescribed to those with a valid prescription."

 

The new legislation categorizes mifepristone and misoprostol as Schedule IV substances under Louisiana’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, placing them in the same category as certain opioids, ephedrine, and antidepressants. This classification means that possession without a prescription or appropriate licensure will be illegal, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and substantial fines. Notably, the bill includes an exemption for pregnant women possessing the pills for personal use. However, anyone assisting in obtaining the pills would be at risk of prosecution, a measure aimed at curbing the distribution and use of abortion medications without medical oversight.

 

Abortion rights advocates argue that the bill will create significant barriers for both prescribers and pharmacists. Physicians in Louisiana will need a special license to prescribe controlled substances, and the state will meticulously track prescriptions, potentially deterring medical professionals from providing these medications. Given that abortion is nearly entirely banned in Louisiana, including the use of abortion pills, this bill seems to extend the restrictions further. The exceptions to the ban are limited to cases where the pregnancy poses a substantial risk to the mother’s life or involves a medically futile pregnancy.

 

Despite these stringent laws, women in Louisiana have still been able to obtain abortion pills through telehealth services provided by out-of-state providers. The new bill targets the possession of these pills, even when they are obtained in advance, a practice known as "advance provision" which has become more common in states with restrictive abortion laws. The federal government, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), does not classify mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances. Both drugs are approved by the FDA and have been shown to be safe and effective for their intended uses, which include not only abortion but also various other reproductive health applications.

 

Misoprostol, in particular, is widely used for labor induction, cervical softening during surgical procedures, and the medical management of miscarriages. It is listed on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines due to its critical role in healthcare. Anti-abortion advocates argue that medication abortions are dangerous, a point recently raised before the Supreme Court in efforts to limit access to mifepristone. However, extensive research supports the safety and efficacy of these medications.

 

Hundreds of doctors in Louisiana have voiced opposition to the legislation, warning that it could worsen health outcomes in a state already struggling with high maternal mortality rates. They argue that further restricting access to safe and effective medications will only exacerbate these issues. The bill’s sponsor, state Senator Thomas Pressly, cited personal motivations for the legislation, revealing that his sister was a victim of a crime involving the non-consensual administration of misoprostol by her then-husband. Initially, the bill aimed to address such criminal acts, but it was later amended to include the broader classification of the drugs as controlled substances, influenced by the anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life.

 

State Attorney General Liz Murrill supports the bill, highlighting concerns about abortion pills being shipped into Louisiana from outside the state and country. She emphasized that the legislation does not prevent these drugs from being prescribed and dispensed for legitimate medical reasons.

 

Credit: The Hill 2024-05-25

 

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[Tug]

And some on this forum actually think the guy responsible for this attack on women’s autonomy is going to get re elected lmao 🤣 personally I think within 2 elections cycles there will be a filibuster proof dem majority in Congress and senate!

[Danderman123]

The question is how far will Republicans go - we are already seeing some Republicans talking about banning birth control pills.

 

I suspect that are some Trumpers here who think this is a bad idea today. But, if Trump supports the ban, they will go along with it.

[Jingthing]

Trump of course will say it's up to the states.

[stoner]

up until now how has this medicine been available ? were you able to just walk into a pharmacy and ask for it ? not american so i don't know.

[Chomper Higgot]

23 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Trump of course will say it's up to the states.

Trump will say whatever the religious rightwing want him to say.

 

Then he’ll switch without missing a beat to avoid criticism from those who do not wish to see policy determined in the basis of religious zealotry.

 

Trump Is an authoritarian liar that bows with the wind.

 

He’ll do whatever he believes he can get away with, whatever services his efforts to stay above the law.

 

 

https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6

 

 

 

Edited May 24 by Chomper Higgot

[Jingthing]

18 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Trump will say whatever the religious rightwing want him to say.

 

Then he’ll switch without missing a beat to avoid criticism from those who do not wish to see policy determined in the basis of religious zealotry.

 

Trump Is an authoritarian liar that bows with the wind.

 

He’ll do whatever he believes he can get away with, whatever services his efforts to stay above the law.

 

 

https://apnews.com/article/trump-contraception-birth-control-abortion-2024-8f73bb1b3a5864b24157f15eb272a3e6

 

 

 

The irony is that he's clearly deep down pro choice and has personally paid for abortions. But he carea only about himself, keeping his power, keeping his money, and staying out of prison, so yes of course whatever "policy" works for that at the moment is where he will be. 

Edited May 24 by Jingthing

[wombat]

Why are males telling women what they can and can't do with their body?

[Tug]

2 hours ago, stoner said:

up until now how has this medicine been available ? were you able to just walk into a pharmacy and ask for it ? not american so i don't know.

The simple answer is yes I believe it’s correct 

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, wombat said:

Why are males telling women what they can and can't do with their body?

It’s a common characteristic of cults.

[Wrwest]

4 hours ago, Tug said:

And some on this forum actually think the guy responsible for this attack on women’s autonomy is going to get re elected lmao 🤣 personally I think within 2 elections cycles there will be a filibuster proof dem majority in Congress and senate!

One could only hope. That said, if then the Democrats do not move forcibly to address the issues most affecting the working middle class, I am all for looking to a different political system (perhaps more akin to the European Parliamentary system or a real 3rd party growth).

[Thingamabob]

3 hours ago, wombat said:

Why are males telling women what they can and can't do with their body?Abotion

Abortion is a tricky subject. Many years ago my wife had an abortion, entirely with my agreement, but it has troubled us both ever since.

Edited May 25 by Thingamabob

[JulesMad]

Extremely backward country, and completely retarded state 🤮