By SARA CLINE, Related Press
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Arguments surrounding first-of-its-kind laws that categorizes two extensively used abortion -inducing medicine as “controlled dangerous substances” in Louisiana are scheduled to happen earlier than a state decide Thursday morning.
In a lawsuit towards the state, plaintiffs say the reclassification of misoprostol and mifepristone — which have crucial reproductive well being care makes use of along with getting used as a two-drug routine to finish pregnancies — might trigger unnecessary and doubtlessly life-threatening delays in therapy throughout medical emergencies.
The authorized problem, which was filed in October, says the legislation might sluggish entry to “lifesaving treatment for people experiencing obstetrical emergencies” and make it “significantly harder” for individuals to “obtain proven, effective remedies necessary for their treatment and care.” Plaintiffs are asking the decide for a everlasting injunction, finally to halt the legislation that’s at present in impact.
Defendants are asking the decide to dismiss the lawsuit. Louisiana Legal professional Common Liz Murrill, one of many defendants listed within the go well with, instructed The Related Press that she appears to be like ahead to “defending this law vigorously” in court docket.
Louisiana, which has one of many strictest abortion bans within the nation, grew to become the primary state final yr to intensify the classification of the 2 drugs. Passage of the measure by the GOP-dominated Legislature marked a brand new method in conservative efforts to limit entry to abortion drugs. In 2023, almost two-thirds of all abortions within the nation had been medicine abortions.
“The Louisiana Legislature spoke loud and clear last year that they stand for life and are against this controlled substance being prescribed without a prescription from a doctor,” Murrill mentioned.
Previous to the reclassification, a prescription was nonetheless wanted to acquire mifepristone and misoprostol in Louisiana. Earlier than the change, medical personnel instructed The Related Press that in hospitals the medicine — that are additionally used to deal with miscarriages, induce labor and cease bleeding — had been typically saved in an OB-GYN unit in a “hemorrhage box” within the room, on the supply desk or in a nurse’s pocket, to make sure almost-immediate entry in frequent emergency conditions.
The brand new legislation reclassified the drugs as “Schedule IV drugs,” placing them in the identical class because the opioid tramadol and different substances that may be addictive. Beneath the brand new classification, there are additional steps and extra stringent storage necessities. Whereas testifying towards the laws, medical doctors confused the medicine can be moved down the corridor, in locked containers or elsewhere which will lead to slower entry throughout emergency conditions the place each second is significant.
With the heightened classification additionally comes elevated expenses. If somebody knowingly possesses mifepristone or misoprostol with no legitimate prescription for any function, they may very well be fined as much as $5,000 and despatched to jail for one to 5 years. The legislation carves out protections for pregnant girls who get hold of the drug with no prescription to tackle their very own.
Among the many plaintiffs listed within the lawsuit are; a doctor; a pharmacist; the Birthmark Doula Collective, a company of individuals educated to offer being pregnant care earlier than, throughout and after beginning; Nancy Davis, a lady who was denied an abortion in Louisiana and traveled out of state for one after studying her fetus wouldn’t survive; and a lady who mentioned she was turned away from two emergency rooms as a substitute of being handled for a miscarriage.
The authorized problem searching for a everlasting injunction to halt the legislation is being heard earlier than a nineteenth Judicial District Court docket decide in Baton Rouge. Thursday’s listening to is anticipated to give attention to the state’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.
Initially Revealed: Might 15, 2025 at 11:32 AM EDT
