Missouri House of Representatives introduced an amendment on a drug monitoring bill on Tuesday that would classify mifepristone, formerly known as RU-486, as a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I controlled substances are drugs that have a high potential for abuse and no medicinal value, such as heroin or LSD. Mifepristone is not addictive and is only administered by a women's healthcare provider. It is not available by prescription or at a pharmacy.
State Representative Kenneth Jones, the original bill's sponsor, said in the Columbia Missourian that "Class I drugs have a lot of addictive qualities, but no medical qualities. [Mifepristone] just doesn't fit there. Whether you put it there or not, it doesn't fit with the federal standards for a Schedule I drug."
According the the Kansas City Star, the bill was originally intended to combat the production of methamphetamine by monitoring the purchase of prescription drugs. It has not yet passed in the state House.
Michelle Trupiano, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood told the Kansas City Star, "This whole amendment was about anti-choice legislators wanting to talk about abortion, no matter what the issue."
Media Resources: Columbian Missourian 03/04/08; Missouri House of Representatives News 03/05/08; Kansas City Star 03/04/08; Feminist Majority Foundation
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