Louisiana passes bill to make abortion pills a controlled dangerous substance
NBCMay 21
Louisiana Houses Votes to Classify Abortion Pills as Controlled Substances
Image copyright: James Leynse/Contributor/Corbis Historical via Getty Images
The Facts
In a first-of-its-kind law, the Louisiana House voted 64-29 to classify the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol as schedule IV controlled substances. If made law, possessing such pills would carry penalties of up to five years in prison and up to a $5K fine.
This is an amendment to a state Senate bill intended to criminalize giving abortion pills to women without their knowledge. As these two drugs are used for non-abortion-related medical issues, only those with a prescription or a licensed doctor will be allowed to possess them.
The Spin
Narrative A
After banning virtually any and all abortion procedures, the anti-abortion lawmakers of Louisiana want to make sure anyone trying to help women is living in fear, too. While doctors are already limiting their use of mifepristone and misoprostol, other patient supporters will now risk spending five, or possibly 10 years in prison for simply possessing one of these pills.
Narrative B
Louisiana law clearly states that abortion, including through the use of pills, is illegal. Despite this, many pro-abortion individuals and businesses have illegally sold them online and on the street — most alarmingly to children — and thus put girls and women at risk of serious health issues. With this illegal trade running rampant, it makes sense to begin treating it as a drug crime.