RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 483 (HB 578) 2021 Regular Session Amedee
New law defines "mifepristone" as a synthetic steroid that inhibits the action of progesterone,
given orally in early pregnancy to induce a chemical abortion.
New law defines "misoprostol" as a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue that is used to
induce a chemical abortion.
New law provides that when a physician or a person acting under the physician's direction
administers mifepristone to a pregnant woman, he shall provide to the woman a disclosure
statement that conforms to the requirements of new law.
New law allows the disclosure statement to be provided through any of the following means:
(1) Stapling the disclosure statement to a bag, envelope, or other package that contains
misoprostol for the pregnant woman to self-administer at home.
(2) Attaching the disclosure statement to a written prescription for misoprostol provided
by the physician or a person acting under the physician's direction.
(3)Attaching the disclosure statement to the patient's discharge instructions if the
prescription for misoprostol is sent directly to a pharmacy.
New law requires that the disclosure statement read as follows:
"PLEASE READ BEFORE TAKING SECOND PILL
Research has indicated that the first pill provided, identified as mifepristone, is not
always effective in ending a pregnancy. If after taking the first pill you regret your
decision, please consult a physician or healthcare provider immediately to determine
if there are options available to assist you in continuing your pregnancy."
New law stipulates that nothing therein shall be construed as creating or recognizing a right
to abortion.
New law provides that nothing therein shall be construed as requiring a disclosure statement
to be provided to a woman facing a spontaneous miscarriage.
New law provides that nothing therein shall be construed as requiring a pharmacy or any
entity other than the facility where the abortion is administered to furnish the disclosure
statement provided for in new law.
New law provides for severability of new law.
Effective August 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 40:1061.11.1)