This will effectively criminalize the possession of these drugs without a prescription. The bill, which was approved by the state Senate with a vote of 29 to 7, has already been passed by the House earlier this week.

If signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana would become the first state to classify misoprostol and mifepristone, the two drugs commonly used in early-stage pregnancies to terminate them, as controlled substances. This regimen accounts for a large majority of all abortions in the United States, so this legislation has drawn attention from those on both sides of the abortion rights debate.

Typically, drugs are classified as controlled substances when they are considered addictive, such as opioids or depressants. This classification enables states to create a database of those who receive the drugs and makes the possession of the medication without a prescription a criminal offense. However, pregnant women are exempted from prosecution under this particular legislation.

It is important to note that abortion is already heavily restricted in Louisiana, only allowed in certain circumstances such as when the mother's life is at risk or when the pregnancy is deemed "medically futile." Nevertheless, this bill could serve as a template for other states to restrict or target the use of medication commonly used in early-stage pregnancies.

Critics of the bill, including the Biden-Harris campaign, have strongly condemned the efforts to pass this legislation. Former New Orleans mayor and Biden campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu placed blame on former President Donald Trump, claiming that women in Louisiana would be monitored, tracked, and even imprisoned for possessing FDA-approved medications.

President Biden himself called the legislation "outrageous" and directly linked it to Trump's actions in overturning Roe v. Wade. He emphasized that Trump's rhetoric around punishing women for accessing reproductive healthcare is now becoming a reality.

In addition to being used in abortions, these drugs also have other medical applications, such as managing miscarriages. Legal experts have raised concerns that this bill would impede access to these drugs for medically necessary purposes and would lead to increased government monitoring of pregnant women and doctors who prescribe the medication.

If Governor Landry signs the bill into law, it will mark a significant development in the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in the United States. The legislation's impact could extend beyond Louisiana, potentially inspiring other states to take similar measures to restrict the use of these medications.