This week on Behind The Lens, Louisiana became the first state in the nation to classify two medications commonly used in maternal health care as Schedule IV controlled substances. That requires the drugs be kept under lock and key. And mayors along the Mississippi River are working together to keep the river navigable during drought.

Access to drugs that are routinely used in maternal healthcare has been severely curtailed due to new laws on the books in Louisiana which health officials say limit not only people’s reproductive rights, but their very ability to survive common life events, like a miscarriage or the delivery of a child.

In a first of its kind agreement, a group of mayors of towns along the Mississippi River have agreed to unify their ports from Louisiana all the way up to Minnesota, to maintain navigation capability on the drought-stricken river.

Our guests this week are Lens reporters Marta Jewson, Delaney Dryfoos and managing editor Katy Reckdahl. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Slotcar by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

 

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