NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Abortion Fund released the following statement ahead of the state law taking effect on October 1 that categorizes mifepristone and misoprostol as “controlled dangerous substances,” attributable to Louisiana Abortion Fund Executive Director, Chasity Wilson:
“Louisiana is already notorious for being one of the most dangerous places in the country for birthing people. The criminalization of mifepristone and misoprostol, drugs that have been proven to be safe, effective, and essential in lifesaving care, will undoubtedly only worsen our decades-long maternal health crisis.
More people are touched by incarceration in Louisiana than almost anywhere else in the world. The effects of this senseless law – increasing criminalization and mass incarceration while pushing safe, necessary medication out of reach – disproportionately harm and impact Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+ and immigrant populations in the state.
Lawmakers’ decision to criminalize the millions of birth-capable citizens they were elected to serve for wanting to control their bodies is in direct contradiction to Louisiana values. As a Southern abortion fund, we will continue our critical work of helping our neighbors access abortion care in the face of ever-increasing challenges, skyrocketing needs, and increasingly extreme restrictions.”
The Louisiana Abortion Fund is a community fund that assists our neighbors in overcoming the economic and geographic barriers erected to prevent them from accessing abortion care. By providing low-barrier financial support for abortions and support for travel and childcare, we are investing in our community’s liberation. We envision a world where everyone has access to the healthcare they determine is right for them, and those who decide to raise children can raise them in a world free from state violence and the violences of poverty, patriarchy, white supremacy, and queerphobia. Learn more at louisianaabortionfund.org.
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