New Orleans City Council passes motion to study abortion drug legislation

Politicians in New Orleans voted unanimously to pass a motion to investigate and review a new Louisiana law related to two abortion drugs. The City Council wanted the New Orleans Health Department to investigate any delays in care that could be caused by the restrictions on mifepristone and misoprostol. Many politicians called the legislation classifying the drug as a controlled substance dangerous and life-threatening. Dr. Jennifer Avegno echoed those statements and explained the impact the restriction could have on maternity healthcare in Louisiana. “This is not the first time the Council has directed us to investigate a public health crisis, and to be very, very clear: This is a truly ongoing maternity health crisis in our state, in every part of it, not just New Orleans,” Avegno said. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the new controlled dangerous substances law will not get in the way of doctors providing the procedure and will simply uphold Louisiana's stance on abortion. The new law is set to take effect on Oct. 1, the full council is scheduled to vote on it Thursday and then it will be subject to mayoral approval.