Mississippi restricts abortion drug distribution and sets severe trafficking penalties

People who knowingly or intentionally make, supply, or prescribe drugs to cause abortions outside state-law exceptions face one to ten years in prison upon conviction. The restriction covers drugs prescribed or dispensed with the intent to end a clinically diagnosable pregnancy and cause the unborn child's death, except where Mississippi law allows their use. The restriction also covers possessing these drugs with knowledge or intent to make, supply, or prescribe them. Drugs prescribed for other medical purposes are excluded. Lawful care within a doctor's reasonable medical judgment and accepted standards is also excluded, including miscarriage care, ectopic pregnancy treatment, and care after childbirth. The law took effect July 1, 2026.

A conviction for aggravated trafficking carries 25 years to life in prison and a fine of $5,000 to $1 million. The threshold is at least 200 grams or 267 dosage units of Schedule I or II controlled drugs, excluding marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids. A unit means a tablet, capsule, or milliliter of liquid; LSD uses individual forms such as stamps. The prison term normally cannot be reduced or suspended, and probation and parole are barred. A judge may impose at least one-quarter of the required sentence if the person was not a criminal leader, used no violence or weapon, the crime caused no death or serious injury to an outsider, and the required sentence would not serve justice. The law took effect July 1, 2026.

Mississippi's attorney general may ask a court to stop violations and award civil penalties, costs, and repayment for harm caused. These powers apply to violations of the abortion-drug restriction, with the same exceptions for other medical uses and qualifying lawful care. A civil case can proceed even if the person was acquitted, was never prosecuted or convicted, or was convicted of a different offense. A civil case does not prevent criminal prosecution. The law took effect July 1, 2026.