Staff Reports
Louisiana lawmakers have given the final approval to a bill that would outline two drugs used in abortions as controlled substances. The bill, which is expected to be signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, was passed by the state House with a vote of 64-29.
Western Journal: Breaking: Louisiana Votes to List Abortion Pills as Controlled Substance – Jail Time if Convicted https://t.co/OuzBHnm912
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If the bill is signed into law, Louisiana would be the first state in the country to label the drugs as controlled substances. The proposed legislation would make it a felony to possess the drugs without a valid prescription, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Distribution or possession with intent to distribute these drugs could result in up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $15,000.
The bill includes an exemption for pregnant women who have the drugs for their own use, and doctors can still legally prescribe the drugs. Republican state Sen. Thomas Pressly, who proposed the bill, stated that it aims to prevent the misuse of these drugs, especially after his sister was given misoprostol without her consent.
The pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has expressed support for the bill, highlighting the need to make abortion drugs harder for abusers to obtain. The organization’s southern regional director, Caitlin Connors, emphasized that the drugs in question will still be available for legitimate medical reasons, such as miscarriage care, but will be more difficult for abusers to access.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also voiced support for the legislation, stating that it does not prohibit these drugs from being prescribed and dispensed in the state for legal and legitimate reasons.
The bill has sparked a response from Vice President Kamala Harris, who criticized the legislation and stated that it would criminalize the possession of medication abortion. In response, Gov. Landry expressed that the bill aims to protect expectant mothers while also allowing the drugs to be prescribed with a valid prescription.
The proposed legislation has ignited a debate on the classification of abortion drugs and their availability for medical purposes in Louisiana.
