Today, Attorney General Liz Murrill released a statement with information regarding the Abortion by Fraud Act 246 and Louisiana’s pro-life laws.

In her six page pronouncement, she unequivocally states that Act 246 “does not limit a healthcare provider’s ability to use, prescribe, or fill these medications for legitimate health purposes nor does it impose restrictive burdens on access for emergency purposes.” 

A.G. Murrill reaffirms to Louisiana citizens that our laws and regulations “ensure, expect, and empower physicians to use reasonable medical judgment” when caring for pregnant women.

The Attorney General further clarifies that medical providers utilizing mifepristone and misoprostol for emergent situations will not have “exposure to fines, adverse licensing actions or prosecution,” and have “maximum flexibility” to secure these drugs to access them as needed.

A.G. Murrill states that the term “secure” is not nebulous and will not impede “qualified, ethical doctors from caring for mothers and their babies.” The purpose of Act 246, which goes into effect October 1, is to stop nefarious individuals from coercing or forcing women into the abortion decision, as occurred to State Senator Thomas Pressly’s sister, Catherine Herring. 

The Communications Director for Louisiana Right to Life, Sarah Zagorski, said: “We applaud Attorney General Liz Murrill for her outstanding statement setting the record straight on Act 246 and Louisiana’s body of pro-life laws. We are thankful for her commitment to the health and safety of women, and the unborn, in Louisiana.”

From A.G. Murrill on Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy Care:

“To be clear: nothing in Louisiana laws stands in the way of a doctor providing care that stabilizes and treats emergency conditions. Any statements to the contrary are flatly incorrect. Any hospital or doctor at any hospital or emergency room who refuses to treat and stabilize a woman having a miscarriage or suffering with an ectopic pregnancy could be committing both medical malpractice and violating federal law. Louisiana law should not be read as requiring hospital or emergency room staff to refuse such emergency care.” (Page 2)

A.G. Murrill recommences by reminding physicians of the clear differentiation between elective abortion and emergency medical treatment per Louisiana law. She also reiterates that the use of mifepristone and misoprostol for elective abortion has been prohibited since 2022, and that the “intentional delivery” of abortion pills by groups online, or by other means, is illegal and, “such conduct will be prosecuted.”

The statement concludes with A.G. Murrill inviting “physicians and providers to share any questions or concerns” with the Department of Health or her office.