Texas Considers Reclassifying Abortion Drugs, Sparking Medical Concerns

Lawmakers in Texas are thinking about a bill that would make the abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol controlled substances again. This is similar to a law in Louisiana that has caused a lot of debate among doctors. Supporters of House Bill 1339 say it will stop people from abusing it, but critics say it could hurt medical care.

The bill's author, State Rep. Pat Curry, says the plan will make it harder for people, especially teens, to order abortion pills online. Concerns have been raised by doctors, who point to Louisiana as an example of a state where the law made it harder to treat conditions like abortions and obstetric hemorrhages.

An OB/GYN, Dr. Nicole Freehill, said, "These medicines are essential in gynecology and obstetrics." "Limiting access for no reason puts lives at risk."

After the law was passed, it became more challenging to get misoprostol in Louisiana. This drug is often used to stop heavy bleeding or get ready for treatments like IUD insertion. Now, hospitals keep the drug in one central, locked area, which causes delays that could be dangerous in an emergency.

Some people who are against the bill say it puts politics ahead of patient safety. The head of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Dr. Stella Dantas, said, "This puts patients' health and lives at risk by adding extra hurdles for doctors."

Curry backed the plan by saying that doctors who are against it are just using worries as a "smokescreen" to avoid making abortion more restricted. Many people, though, aren't sure if these rules make things safer or if they're just making it harder to get primary medical care.