Adds mifepristone to the list of Schedule IV controlled substances and establishes the offense of coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud
The introduction of HB 1367 would significantly alter the existing laws surrounding abortion drugs in Missouri. In addition to the classification of mifepristone, an important aspect of the bill is the provision that establishes the offense of coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud. This offense would create legal consequences for anyone using mifepristone on a pregnant woman without her consent, which further adds a layer of legal protection for women seeking abortions. The potential for severe penalties highlights the state's intention to deter such actions and safeguard women's rights concerning medical procedures.
House Bill 1367 aims to add the drug mifepristone to the list of Schedule IV controlled substances in Missouri. This bill seeks to impose stricter regulations on the usage and distribution of mifepristone, which is commonly known as an abortifacient. By regulating this drug under Schedule IV, the state would establish a classification that indicates a lower potential for abuse compared to higher schedules, but still recognizes the risks associated with its use. Moreover, the bill outlines specific measures that the Department of Health and Senior Services must take to comply with these regulations, including the maintenance of records for prescriptions and transactions involving mifepristone.
Points of contention surrounding HB 1367 emerge primarily from debates about access to reproductive healthcare. Supporters claim that tighter regulations around mifepristone are necessary to prevent misuse and to ensure that medical standards are upheld in abortion services. Opponents, however, argue that the bill may restrict access to legal abortions in Missouri, potentially making it more difficult for women to obtain necessary medical care. Critics of the bill contend that by making mifepristone less accessible, the state could inadvertently push women towards unsafe alternatives, leading to public health concerns.