Louisiana is set to reclassify the abortion-inducing drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances under a groundbreaking bill that has passed the legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.

Proponents argue the reclassification will protect women from coerced abortions, citing a single incident from Texas as evidence.

However, many doctors warn it will complicate prescribing these medications for other essential reproductive health care.

This move coincides with a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision on mifepristone access, which the justices seem hesitant to restrict, the Associated Press reported.

The GOP-led legislature’s action may inspire similar measures in other Republican states with existing abortion bans.

Louisiana currently enforces a near-total ban on both surgical and medical abortions.

Written by B.C. Begley