The War on Drugs is a war on women: Louisiana's Abortion Law

Abstract

This commentary explores the criminalization of abortion in Louisiana by arguing that it mirrors the punitive policies of the War on Drugs. We critically analyze the reclassification of abortion-inducing drugs like Mifepristone and Misoprostol as controlled substances to demonstrate how these laws disproportionately impact women, particularly those who are poor and Black and Brown. Drawing on parallels to the racial caste system perpetuated by the War on Drugs, we argue that these policies are less about public health and more about social control, with severe implications for reproductive autonomy and justice. By linking the scheduling of Mifepristone and Misoprostol to the War on Drugs, we show how abortion criminalization and abortion medication criminalization extend the arm of the American legal system to police and punish Black and Brown bodies and communities. We conclude by calling for a reevaluation of these legal frameworks to prevent further marginalization and harm.