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Louisiana has become the first state to classify abortion pills misopristol and mifepristone as Schedule IV drugs, placing them in the same category as narcotics and opioids. Consequently, possessing these pills without a prescription is considered a serious offense.

Louisiana Signs Bill to Criminalize Possessing Abortion Pills Without Prescription

On Friday, May 24, Louisiana's governor signed a bill into law that stipulates two abortion-inducing drugs as "controlled dangerous substances."

In a post on social media platform X, Gov. Jeff Landry expressed his support for signing the bill into law, describing it as a "common sense" decision.

In addition, he expressed gratitude towards state Sen. Thomas Pressly, who played a significant role in the bill's development.

Nearly 270 health-care professionals in Louisiana voiced their opposition to the bill.

In a groundbreaking decision, Louisiana has become the first state to classify abortion drugs as controlled substances, thus incorporating them into Louisiana's Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law.

Bloomberg sais starting from October 1, the new legislation mandates that the two abortion drugs can only be acquired within the state through licensed physicians.

According to The Associated Press, individuals who have drugs without a prescription may now face up to five years in prison. However, pregnant women who have the drugs for their personal use are afforded certain protections under the law.

State's Previous Requirement for Mifepristone, Misoprostol Prescriptions

In Louisiana, there used to be a requirement for prescriptions when it came to mifepristone and misoprostol. However, it was not considered a criminal offense to possess these drugs without a prescription.

The Louisiana House recently voted to make a change, with 64 members in favor and 29 opposed. The legislation was advanced by a 29-7 vote in the state's upper chamber on Thursday.

Vice President Harris strongly criticized the legislation, describing it as "absolutely unconscionable" following its initial approval in the state.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022, a number of states, including Arizona, have implemented more stringent regulations on abortions. Notably, Arizona initially passed a near-total abortion ban, but it was later repealed.