New Louisiana law holds out-of-state abortion pill providers accountable

Louisiana is set to implement a new law that extends civil liability to anyone who “causes or substantially facilitates” an abortion, including those outside the state who supply chemical abortion pills to Louisiana residents.

HB 575, which sailed through the Louisiana House 77–18 following Senate amendments, has been signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry, R, and will take effect on August 1.

It further strengthens Louisiana’s reputations as one of the nation’s strongest pro-life states.

Under the terms of the new law, the mother of the unborn child, the father, and the grandparents may pursue legal action against individuals or entities, including doctors, telehealth providers, or mail-order services, that prescribe, distribute, or coordinate the sale of abortion drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol to Louisiana residents.

Abortion is already banned in Louisiana in nearly all cases except when the mother’s life is in jeopardy or the fetus has a fatal anomaly. Supporters, including Attorney General Liz Murrill, argue that the new law is necessary to close loopholes exploited by out-of-state providers supplying abortion medication by mail.

One such case involved a New York physician accused of prescribing abortion pills to a minor in Louisiana, who later ended up in the emergency room with complications from the medication.

“These are not doctors providing health care. They are drug dealers,” Murrill told lawmakers.

Those found liable face substantial penalties. Plaintiffs may recover special and general damages, exemplary damages, attorney fees, and court costs. If the defendant is not licensed in Louisiana, statutory damages of at least $100,000 may apply.

The expanded definition of “substantially facilitates” includes administering, prescribing, dispensing, distributing, marketing, promoting, or coordinating the sale of abortion-inducing medication to a person in the state.

Civil suits can be filed up to 10 years after the abortion. Those liable may also face criminal penalties under previous laws that classify illegal abortion, including medication abortion, as a felony punishable by 10-15 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000.

Supporters contend the state’s strict abortion laws already criminalize the procedure and that the new bill enhances enforcement and deterrence. They point to Idaho, Oklahoma, and Texas, which all enacted similar civil-liability provisions last year.

State Sen. Rick Edmonds, R, who sponsored the bill, said the new law sends the message that “These pills are not welcome in Louisiana.”

The law arose in part after a New York physician, Dr. Maggie Carpenter, prescribed abortion pills to a Louisiana minor; the young teen later experienced severe complications after ingesting the pills and ended up at the Emergency Department. Carpenter is now facing criminal charges in Louisiana for doing so, but New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, D, has refused extradition, citing newly enacted “shield laws,” that protect abortion providers from legal action initiated by states with stricter abortion laws. New York has reinforced these protections through both state and regulatory changes to prescription labeling.

Carpenter has already been fined over $100,000 by a Texas state judge after he ruled that she had illegally prescribed abortion pills via telemedicine to a Dallas-area woman; that patient also reportedly experienced complications and required hospitalization. In addition, the judge issued a permanent injunction barring Carpenter from sending abortion-inducing medication to Texas residents.

The case arose after a civil suit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging Carpenter violated state law by prescribing mifepristone and misoprostol without holding a Texas medical license.

The ruling marks one of the first major tests of anti-abortion enforcement across state lines.

Louisiana’s newly passed legislation marks a significant step in affirming the sanctity of human life and holding accountable those who facilitate the destruction of it. For Christians who believe that life begins at conception and that every child is fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:13–16), this law reinforces the moral and biblical obligation to protect the unborn and resist a culture of death that disregards God’s design.

Scripture is clear about the value of life. In Proverbs 24:11, we are instructed to “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” This command extends not only to our personal behavior but also to the structures of justice within our society.

Laws like this one, which extends civil liability to those who profit from or promote abortion, including through abortion-inducing drugs, are a form of that rescue. They serve as a deterrent to those who would exploit vulnerable women and end the lives of unborn children for convenience or profit.

Critics claim that the law is overreaching, but the Christian worldview maintains that where sin abounds, there must also be clarity, accountability, and truth. The fact that some providers operate across state lines to bypass pro-life protections shows the need for stronger legal frameworks. This law recognizes that human life should not be destroyed through legal loopholes and technological evasion.

The bill also empowers fathers and grandparents, family members who also feel the loss of a child, to seek justice. It upholds the principle found in Deuteronomy 30:19: “Choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Finally, it protects Louisiana women from medical malpractice and manipulation. The Louisiana teen mentioned was the victim of a New York physician and the girl’s mother; the girl wanted the child but the mother was able to get the abortion pills from the doctor and pressure her daughter to ingest them. When the girl ended up in the ER with severe complications, the New York City doctor had patient knowledge to provide nor a willingness to consult with the treating physician since she had never examined or even talked to the young teen before sending the pills.

This law is a righteous one because it enhances medical safety and justice for Louisiana residents and it sends a clear message that those who attempt to circumvent state laws protecting life will be held accountable.

If you like this article and other content that helps you apply a biblical worldview to today’s politics and culture, consider making a donation here.