Impact of classifying reproductive medications as controlled substances: A deep dive into the Louisiana law.

Abstract

The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v Jackson's Women's Health Organization overruled Roe v Wade and eliminated the federal right to an abortion. This left the regulation of abortion to the states and opened new avenues for state legislatures to modify abortion access. In one such example, the Louisiana legislature passed a law which designated misoprostol and mifepristone, two reproductive medications that are used for abortion, as controlled substances. This article describes the implications of classifying reproductive medications as controlled substances. The impacts of such a designation may impede patient access, delay care, affect privacy, and impose logistical burdens on healthcare systems. Education and advocacy to prevent undue burden is crucial.