Louisiana House Approves Bill Restricting Access To Abortion Pills

Posted by: lukwago J in World news May 22, 2024

Abortion rights advocates are deeply concerned that the recent bill passed by the Louisiana House could pave the way for other states to impose stricter regulations on the most commonly used method of abortion in the United States.

Louisiana is on the verge of becoming the first state to reclassify abortion pills as “controlled dangerous substances,” a classification typically reserved for highly addictive medications like opioids.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to criminalize the possession of these drugs without a valid prescription, with potential penalties including fines and even imprisonment. It is important to note that pregnant women would be exempt from prosecution under this legislation.

Initially, the bill primarily focused on making it a crime to administer abortion pills to a woman without her knowledge. The addition of classifying these drugs as controlled substances came later.

This proposed law would further impede access to these drugs, which are utilized in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the United States, even though most abortions are already illegal in Louisiana.

Kamala Harris condemned the bill

While anti-abortion groups have commended this legislation, numerous medical professionals have raised concerns, underscoring the vital non-abortion uses of these medications.

On the other hand, abortion rights advocates argue that if this bill is passed, it could become a blueprint for other states seeking to further limit access to the procedure.

Vice-President Kamala Harris condemned the bill as “unconscionable” in a social media statement, attributing its existence to former President Donald Trump, who appointed several judges to the US Supreme Court.

These judges were responsible for overturning the nationwide right to an abortion two years ago.

The US Supreme Court is expected to make a crucial ruling on national access to mifepristone, a medication used in combination with misoprostol for medical abortions, in the coming weeks.

This case holds significant importance as it is the most prominent abortion-related issue before the highest court since the Roe v. Wade decision. The outcome of this ruling could have far-reaching implications for millions of individuals seeking abortion services.

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