The Louisiana Legislature is close to passing legislation that would classify two drugs used in medication abortion and miscarriage management as “controlled dangerous substances” — a move that has prompted outcry from the Biden campaign and that experts say could have complicated downstream effects.
No state currently classifies either mifepristone and misoprostol as a controlled substance, which includes both illegal drugs as well as certain medications that are subject to tracking and monitoring to prevent misuse and diversion. If Louisiana is successful, it could provide a blueprint for other state legislatures seeking to restrict abortions.
The state Senate passed a version of the bill last month. It was amended in the House to include language labeling the medications as Schedule IV drugs and now must go back to the Senate before it goes to Gov. Jeff Landry, who is expected to sign the bill.
