House approves civil damages for out-of-state abortion drug prescriptions; bill sparks lengthy debate

The Louisiana House on Tuesday passed legislation that creates a civil cause of action against medical providers who prescribe abortion‑inducing medication in violation of state law.

Representative Ventrella’s bill, described by supporters as a tool to hold out‑of‑state prescribers accountable when criminal prosecution is impractical, allows the mother of an unborn child, the natural father and certain grandparents to sue for statutory damages of up to $100,000 per qualifying plaintiff.

Supporters said the measure fills a gap exposed by recent cases in which doctors outside Louisiana prescribed medication that caused abortions for residents of the state but declined to submit to Louisiana criminal process. "If you're prescribing abortion…