Louisiana has become the first state to classify two abortion-inducing medications, misoprostol and mifepristone, as controlled substances. Governor Jeff Landry signed the legislation, reclassifying these medications as Schedule IV drugs, making them as regulated as opioids and certain depressants, thus more difficult to obtain without a prescription.
While the federal government does not classify these medications as controlled substances and they are used for other medical conditions, Louisiana’s new law criminalizes possession without a prescription, exempting pregnant women from prosecution. Those caught with the pills without a valid prescription could face jail time and fines.
