Lawsuit Challenges Louisiana’s Classifying Abortion Pills as Controlled Substances
A new lawsuit has been filed against the state of Louisiana, challenging a law that categorizes abortion medications as controlled dangerous substances. The state is the first to classify mifepristone and misoprostol, both used for medication abortions, as “Schedule IV” drugs alongside certain stimulants, sedatives, and opioids. Doctors in Louisiana require a special license to prescribe the medicines, and hospitals must store the pills securely. The suit, filed by a group of healthcare providers, reproductive rights advocates, and a doula practice, argues that this law creates barriers for healthcare workers who need to quickly administer these pills in emergencies. Critics of the legislation argue that it aims to limit access to abortions, rather than prevent misuse of the drugs.
John Q. Hosedrinker