Abortion Pills in Louisiana: How to Access Care Despite the Total Ban

Louisiana has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country—a total ban with extremely limited exceptions. But Louisiana residents are still accessing medication abortion through telemedicine services. This guide explains your options, what protections exist, and how to access care.

Quick Navigation

• Current Louisiana Laws
• How Telemedicine Works
• Southern Woven's Process
• Timeline and Costs
• Privacy Protections
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Information

• Louisiana law: Total abortion ban with very limited medical exceptions
• Telemedicine option: Louisiana residents are accessing care through providers in shield law states
• Timeline: 2-5 business days for medication delivery
• Privacy: Completely confidential, discreet shipping
• Language: Services available in English and Spanish
• Cost: Sliding scale based on ability to pay

Current Abortion Laws in Louisiana (2025)

What the Law Says

Louisiana has a total ban on abortion that went into effect on June 24, 2022, immediately after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This is one of the strictest bans in the nation:

• No abortion clinics remain open in Louisiana
• No exceptions for rape or incest
• Limited exceptions only for life-threatening conditions or lethal fetal abnormalities
• Criminal penalties for healthcare providers who perform abortions
• In 2024, Louisiana classified mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances

What This Means for Louisiana Residents

Before the ban, Louisiana had abortion clinics in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. All have closed. If you discover you're pregnant and don't want to continue the pregnancy, you have no in-state options for abortion care.

But you still have options. People across Louisiana—from New Orleans to Shreveport, from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles—are accessing medication abortion through telemedicine providers in states with shield laws.

The Reality on the Ground

Louisiana's ban affects approximately 1 million women of reproductive age in the state. Before the ban, thousands of Louisiana residents received abortion care each year. Now, many are:

• Traveling hundreds of miles to other states (Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado)
• Accessing medication abortion through telemedicine
• Facing impossible choices due to lack of access

Telemedicine has become a lifeline for Louisiana residents who cannot afford the time, money, or logistics required to travel out of state.

How Louisiana Residents Are Accessing Medication Abortion

Despite Louisiana's total ban, residents have three main options:

Option 1: Telemedicine From Shield Law States (Recommended)

What it is: Online consultation with licensed medical providers in states that have passed shield laws, with medication shipped to your Louisiana address.

Why people are choosing this:

• Shield laws protect providers who prescribe to patients in restrictive states
• Federal law permits interstate prescription of FDA-approved medications
• You remain in Louisiana throughout the process
• Completely private and confidential

Timeline: 2-5 business days

This is what Southern Woven provides.

Option 2: Travel to Another State

Nearest states where abortion is accessible:

• Illinois: ~8-10 hours drive from New Orleans, ~6-7 hours from Shreveport
• New Mexico: ~12+ hours from most of Louisiana
• Colorado: ~15+ hours from New Orleans
• Kansas: ~10 hours from Shreveport (limited access)

Challenges with travel:

• Time off work (often multiple days)
• Travel costs ($300-800+ for gas, flights, hotels)
• Childcare arrangements
• Appointment wait times (often 1-2+ weeks)
• May require multiple visits
• Total cost often exceeds $1,000-2,000

Option 3: Self-Managed Abortion with Telemedicine Support

What it is: Medication abortion at home with guidance from licensed providers through telemedicine.

This combines medical oversight with the privacy and convenience of home. You're not alone—you have professional support throughout the process.

Why Telemedicine Is the Best Option for Most Louisiana Residents

The Benefits

✓ No travel required - complete the process at home anywhere in Louisiana
✓ Faster access - 2-5 days vs. weeks for travel arrangements
✓ Much lower cost - $1-150 vs. $1,000-2,000 (procedure + travel)
✓ Complete privacy - no one needs to know
✓ Medical support - 24/7 access to licensed providers once you start care
✓ Same medications - identical to what clinics use
✓ Safe and effective - 95-98% success rate

How This Works

You might wonder: "Louisiana has a total ban—how can this be an option?"

Shield laws in other states specifically protect providers who prescribe to patients in states with abortion restrictions. These laws:

• Protect providers from prosecution by restrictive states like Louisiana
• Allow legal prescription to residents of any state
• Are designed specifically for this situation

Federal law permits:

• Interstate commerce of FDA-approved medications
• Telemedicine consultations across state lines
• Patients receiving legally prescribed medications

Louisiana residents are accessing this care because they're receiving prescriptions from licensed providers in states where it's legal to prescribe.

Southern Woven's Process for Louisiana Residents

Here's exactly how it works when you choose Southern Woven:

Step 1: Online Consultation (15-20 minutes)

What you'll do:

• Complete a secure medical questionnaire
• Provide basic health information
• Confirm pregnancy details (if known)
• Choose your preferred language (English or Spanish)

When: Available 24/7, complete anytime

Privacy: Fully encrypted, HIPAA-compliant

No video call required - written consultation only

Step 2: Medical Review (Same Day or Next Business Day)

What happens:

• A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information
• Confirms you're eligible for medication abortion (through 13 weeks)
• Approves your prescription
• Addresses any health concerns

Timeline: Usually within one business day

Questions: You can message our team with any concerns

Step 3: Medication Shipped to Louisiana (2-5 Business Days)

What you receive:

• Mifepristone (1 pill)
• Misoprostol (12 pills - most people use 4-8)
• Detailed instructions in your language
• Pain management guide
• Medical support contact information

Shipping:

• Discreet packaging (no indication of contents)
• USPS or courier service
• Tracking number provided
• Can ship to home, work, or P.O. box

Typical delivery times to Louisiana cities:

• New Orleans/Metairie: 2-4 days
• Baton Rouge: 2-4 days
• Shreveport/Bossier City: 3-5 days
• Lafayette: 2-4 days
• Lake Charles: 3-5 days
• Monroe: 3-5 days
• Alexandria: 3-5 days
• Houma/Thibodaux: 2-4 days

Step 4: Complete the Abortion at Home

Support available:

• Medical team available 24/7
• Phone and text support
• Answers to questions before, during, and after
• Help with any concerns or complications

You're never alone in this process.

Step 5: Follow-Up (3-4 Weeks After)

Confirm completion:

• Take a pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after the medication
• Negative test = successful abortion
• Contact us if you have any concerns

Ongoing support:

• We remain available for questions
• Birth control options discussed
• Future care planning if needed

Timeline and Costs

Expected Timeline

From start to finish:

• Day 1: Complete online consultation (15-20 min)
• Day 1-2: Medical review and approval
• Day 2-3: Medication ships from shield law state
• Day 4-7: Medication arrives at your Louisiana address
• Day 7-8: Take mifepristone (first pill)
• Day 8-10: Take misoprostol (second medication), complete abortion
• Week 4-5: Confirm completion with pregnancy test

Total time: 1-2 weeks from initial consultation to completion

Costs

Southern Woven operates on a sliding scale based on your financial situation:

Typical range: $1 - $150

What's included:

• Medical consultation
• Both medications (mifepristone and misoprostol)
• Shipping to Louisiana
• 24/7 medical support
• Follow-up care

Payment options:

• Credit/debit card
• Venmo, CashApp, Zelle
• Payment plans available
• No one is turned away for inability to pay

Financial assistance: We can connect you with abortion funds that help Louisiana residents.

Compare to Other Options

Travel to Illinois or New Mexico:

• Procedure: $400-700
• Travel (gas or flights): $200-500
• Hotel (1-2 nights): $100-300
• Food/misc: $50-100
• Time off work: varies
• Total: $750-1,600+

Telemedicine (Southern Woven):

• Total: $1-150
• No travel
• Faster access
• Complete privacy

Privacy and Safety Protections

Your Privacy Rights

Your medical information is protected by:

• HIPAA: Federal medical privacy law
• State confidentiality laws
• Provider-patient privilege

We protect your privacy through:

• Encrypted communications
• Discreet packaging with no identifying labels
• Never sharing your information with anyone
• Secure medical records
• Option to use alternate shipping address

What if someone finds the medication?

• Packaging doesn't identify contents
• Pills look like standard medication
• You can store them in a generic pill bottle
• No one can tell what they are

What About Louisiana's Laws?

Louisiana's abortion restrictions apply to:

• Providers performing abortions in Louisiana
• Clinics operating in Louisiana
• Medical procedures within Louisiana borders

Louisiana law does not criminalize patients who receive medication abortion. The law targets providers, not individuals seeking care.

What If I Need Emergency Care?

If you need to go to an emergency room:

• Medication abortion looks identical to miscarriage
• No medical test can tell the difference
• You can say you're experiencing a miscarriage
• Treatment is the same regardless
• Your medical records are private

Emergency room visits are rare (less than 1%), but if needed, you're protected.

Legal Questions

For specific legal questions about your situation, contact:

If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812

• Free, confidential legal information
• Lawyers who specialize in reproductive rights
• Can answer questions specific to Louisiana

Frequently Asked Questions

How far along can I be?

Medication abortion is effective through 13 weeks from your last period (WHO guidelines). If you're unsure how far along you are, we can help you figure it out during your consultation.

Is this really an option for Louisiana residents? I'm worried about getting in trouble.

Louisiana residents are accessing medication abortion through telemedicine. Louisiana's law targets providers, not patients. You're receiving care from a licensed provider in a state where it's legal to prescribe. For specific legal questions about your situation, contact If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812.

How discreet is the shipping?

Completely discreet. The package:

• Has no identifying labels or markings
• Looks like any other mail package
• Sender name doesn't indicate medical contents
• Can be shipped to work, P.O. box, or alternate address

What if I live with family and don't want them to know?

Options for privacy:

• Ship to a trusted friend's address
• Use a P.O. box
• Ship to your workplace
• Schedule delivery when you'll be home alone
• Package is discreet even if someone else receives it

Can I do this if I'm under 18?

Yes. We provide care regardless of age. Louisiana's parental consent requirements applied to in-state procedures, not to telemedicine from shield law states. For questions about age-related considerations, contact If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812.

What if I don't have health insurance?

You don't need insurance. We work on a sliding scale based on what you can afford. No one is turned away for inability to pay.

How do I know this is safe?

Medication abortion has been FDA-approved since 2000 and used safely for over 25 years. It is:

• Recommended by ACOG, WHO, and major medical organizations
• Safer than Tylenol, wisdom teeth removal, and childbirth
• 95-98% effective with rare complications (less than 0.4%)

What if something goes wrong?

Serious complications are rare (less than 1%), but if needed:

• Our medical team is available 24/7
• We'll guide you on whether you need medical care
• You can go to any emergency room
• Emergency care is identical to miscarriage treatment
• Your privacy is protected

Will this affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?

No. Medication abortion does not affect future fertility. You can get pregnant again within weeks.

How soon can I get pregnant again?

You can ovulate (and get pregnant) within 2 weeks of your abortion. We can discuss birth control options during your consultation.

What if my pregnancy test is still positive after 4 weeks?

This happens in about 2-5% of cases. Contact our team—we'll arrange follow-up care, which may include additional medication or a procedure. This is safe and straightforward.

What about the "abortion pill reversal" I've heard about?

"Abortion pill reversal" is not supported by medical evidence and is promoted by anti-abortion organizations. If you have concerns after taking mifepristone, contact our medical team to discuss your options.

How do I explain time off from work or school?

Most people take 1-2 days off. You can say:

• "I have a stomach bug"
• "Bad period cramps"
• "Not feeling well"
• "Personal matter"

You don't need to reveal the real reason.

What if I'm in New Orleans/Baton Rouge/Shreveport/another city?

We serve all Louisiana cities and communities:

• Southeast Louisiana: New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Hammond
• Capital Region: Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Denham Springs
• Southwest Louisiana: Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Iberia, Opelousas
• Northwest Louisiana: Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Natchitoches
• Northeast Louisiana: Monroe, Ruston, West Monroe
• Central Louisiana: Alexandria, Pineville, Leesville
• Bayou Region: Houma, Thibodaux, Morgan City
• Anywhere else in Louisiana

Shipping takes 2-5 business days anywhere in the state.

Can I have someone with me during the process?

Yes. Many people choose to have support during the process. You can have whoever you want with you at home.

What if I don't speak English well?

All our services are available fully in Spanish:

• Consultation in Spanish
• Instructions in Spanish
• Bilingual medical team available
• Spanish support 24/7

Resources for Louisiana Residents

Abortion Funds That Help Louisiana Residents

• Louisiana Abortion Fund: Financial assistance for Louisiana residents
• National Abortion Federation Hotline: 1-800-772-9100
• Yellowhammer Fund: Serves the Deep South including Louisiana

Legal Support

• If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812 Free, confidential legal information about abortion access

Emotional Support

• All-Options Talkline: 1-888-493-0092 Judgment-free support for pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption

Additional Information

• Plan C: Information about medication abortion options (plancpills.org)
• AbortionFinder.org: Find providers and services

Next Steps: How to Get Started

If you're in Louisiana and need abortion care, Southern Woven is here to support you.

Our commitment to Louisiana residents:

• Fast access (2-5 days for medication delivery)
• Affordable care (sliding scale, no one turned away)
• Complete privacy (discreet shipping, confidential records)
• Medical support (24/7 access once you start care)
• Bilingual services (English and Spanish)
• Compassionate care (no judgment, just support)

Ready to start?

[Start Your Confidential Consultation] (Button/Link)

The consultation takes 15-20 minutes and can be completed on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Have questions first?

Contact our support team:

• Phone: 845-THE-PILL (845-843-7455)
• Email: hello@southernwoven.com

We're available 7 days a week to answer questions. Once you start care with us, you'll have 24/7 access to our medical team.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Abortion laws are complex and subject to change. This guide reflects Louisiana law as of December 2025. Every person's medical and legal situation is unique. Medication abortion should be obtained through consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual circumstances and provide personalized guidance.

For legal questions, contact If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812

Sources and Medical Review

The information in this guide is based on current Louisiana law and medical guidelines from:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• World Health Organization (WHO) - including guidance supporting use through 13 weeks
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• National Abortion Federation (NAF)
• Guttmacher Institute (Louisiana policy analysis)
• Society of Family Planning
• Center for Reproductive Rights

Last updated: December 26, 2025
Medically reviewed by: Southern Woven Medical Team
Next legal review scheduled: January 2026
Louisiana law information current as of December 2025