Louisiana to Criminalize Abortion Drugs

Louisiana is on the brink of becoming the first U.S. state to criminalize the possession of widely used abortion drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, after legislative approval. The bill categorizes these FDA-approved drugs as controlled dangerous substances and imposes a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for possession without a prescription. Mifepristone and misoprostol are primarily used for medication abortions and treating miscarriages.

The measure was passed by Louisiana’s GOP-controlled legislature, with the Senate voting 29-7 and the House giving overwhelming support. Governor Jeff Landry has indicated he will sign the bill into law. The bill, sponsored by Republican state Senator Thomas Pressly and drafted by the anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life, aims to address what proponents call the protection of women and unborn babies.

Over 250 doctors in Louisiana have warned that this law could delay urgent medical care for women and exacerbate the state’s high maternal mortality rate. Vice President Kamala Harris has also criticized the bill, labeling it “absolutely unconscionable.”

This legislative action comes amid heightened national debates over abortion access, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which led to several states enforcing strict abortion bans. The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on another case that could impact the availability of mifepristone nationwide.

Arizona Doctors Can Now Perform Abortions in California

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed a new law permitting Arizona doctors to perform abortions in California temporarily. This response follows the Arizona Supreme Court allowing an 1864 near-total abortion ban. Although the ban was repealed by Arizona legislators, the repeal won’t take effect until later this year.

The California law, which is in effect until November 30, fast-tracks licensing for Arizona doctors and restricts public disclosure of their information. Governor Newsom, who has positioned California as a sanctuary state for abortion access, emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting reproductive freedom.

Since the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, California has seen an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions and anticipates continued demand following Arizona’s restrictive measures.

In summary, Louisiana is set to significantly restrict access to abortion medications while California is providing a temporary haven for those affected by tighter laws in Arizona, reflecting the diverse legislative responses to abortion access across the United States.