CNN
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A Louisiana bill would classify the abortion-inducing medicine misoprostol and mifeprostone as Schedule IV controlled dangerous substances within the state, inserting them in the identical class as extremely regulated medicine similar to narcotics and depressants.
The modification that may classify the medicine as Schedule IV substances was added to a Senate bill that may make it a criminal offense to offer abortion medicine to an individual with out their consent.
The invoice’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Thomas Pressly, stated he proposed the laws after his sister was given misoprostol towards her will.
Abortion is already banned in Louisiana with no exceptions for rape or incest.
The invoice sparked outcry from a bunch of almost 270 Louisiana physicians, well being care suppliers and medical college students, who signed a letter to Pressly expressing considerations over the reclassification.
The letter, obtained by CNN, says partially, “neither mifepristone nor misoprostol have been proven to have any potential for abuse, dependence, public well being danger, nor excessive charges of hostile unwanted effects.”
The letter continues that inserting the medicine below Schedule IV would create “the false notion that these are harmful medicine that require extra regulation” and that they’re “broadly prescribed and brought safely.”
Pressly rebutted the letter’s claims in a response he shared with CNN: “If enacted, this laws wouldn’t prohibit misoprostol and even mifepristone from being prescribed or allotted for reputable causes.”
“The medical doctors I’ve consulted with really feel this provision won’t hurt healthcare for girls,” he continued.
In a medication abortion, mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is required for a being pregnant to proceed. A second drug, misoprostol, is taken throughout the subsequent 24 to 48 hours. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, creating cramping and bleeding. Authorized to be used in different situations, similar to stopping abdomen ulcers, the drug has been obtainable at pharmacies for many years.
The amended invoice would make it a felony – punishable with as much as 5 years in jail and fines of as much as $5,000 – for anybody present in possession of the medicine with out a legitimate prescription.
The laws consists of an exemption for pregnant girls in possession of mifepristone and misoprostol for their very own consumption. Docs within the state would nonetheless have the ability to prescribe the medicine.
In Louisiana, the distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV medicine carries a penalty of as much as 10 years in jail and fines of as much as $15,000.
Lawmakers have till June 3 to offer the laws ultimate approval earlier than sending it to Republican Gov. Jeff Landry for his signature.