Louisiana Criminalizes Abortion Pills, Reclassifying Them as Controlled Substances

New law imposes severe penalties for possession without a prescription, sparking debate over reproductive rights and medical access.

Governor Jeff Landry signed the legislation, making Louisiana the first state to classify mifepristone and misoprostol as Schedule IV drugs.
Possession of these drugs without a prescription can lead to up to five years in prison and substantial fines.
Pregnant women are exempt from prosecution, but anyone assisting them could face legal consequences.
The law could hinder access to medications used for other medical conditions, such as miscarriages and labor induction.
Critics argue the law may violate constitutional rights and face potential legal challenges.