Republican lawmakers in the southern US state of Louisiana gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would criminalize possession of abortion pills without a prescription.
The legislation, passed 29-7 by the state senate and 64-29 in the state house, is the first in the country to classify the drugs as controlled and dangerous substances.
It is expected to be signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry.
The bill comes as abortion rights are being hotly debated ahead of November’s presidential election pitting Democratic incumbent Joe Biden against likely Republican challenger Donald Trump.
It reclassifies mifepristone and misoprostol, commonly used for abortions including at-home medication abortions, as Schedule IV drugs — putting them in the same category as Valium and Xanax.
Possession of the medication without a prescription would be punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Authorized medical…
Source: Guardian Newspaper
