Latest KFF Health News Stories
Alabama Ruling Upends IVF Future For Cancer Patients, Medical Providers
News outlets report on the continuing health and political fallout from the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling on the personhood of frozen embryos. Doctors say it’s the safest IVF method for mothers and babies, and the only option for cancer patients. Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans react to the decision that could have electoral impact.
Study: Xolair Helps Reduce Reactions For Kids With Severe Food Allergies
Researchers report that Xolair can cut the risk of dangerous reactions after exposure to trace amounts of food allergens like nuts, milk, or eggs. The drug has already been approved by the FDA for people ages 1 and older with food allergies.
Measles Cases Rise In Florida As State Surgeon General’s Advice Is Criticized
A seventh measles case is found in the Florida outbreak, and the first in a child under 5, as experts oppose a controversial decision to let parents send unvaccinated children to school. Meanwhile, Michigan has reported its first measles case since 2019, and Minnesota reports a third case.
Though Covid And RSV Decline, Flu Levels Stay High Across US
Flu levels show increases in half of U.S. regions, the CDC noted in its weekly update. Separately, scientists link birth month to the timing of a first flu shot: Kids born in October are more likely to get the shot and less likely to be diagnosed with flu.
Supreme Court Case May Influence Social Media’s Future
An important First Amendment case will be heard today, concerning how publications on social media outlets may be judged. Politico argues that conservative values have already “largely won,” as Bloomberg says Mark Zuckerberg is pushing for zero personal liability in Facebook addiction cases.
Change Healthcare Mum On Whether It Has Recovered From Cyberattack
UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare’s systems were down for a fourth straight day Saturday. The exploit was possible thanks to a security flaw that still worries security experts. The company’s website did not mention the outage on its website Monday morning.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Americans See Mental Health Issues As A Top Public Health Threat
The latest Axios-Ipsos American Health Index survey found poor mental health ranks behind obesity and the opioid crisis as the biggest worries Americans have over public health of the nation. Also in the news: scientists dig into long covid’s “brain fog,” viagra and Alzheimer’s, and more.
A Hack At UnitedHealth Hits Pharmacy Services Across Country
The hack hit UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare unit, and affected several pharmacy chains. Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare reports that so far in 2024 health care cyberattacks have exposed 11.6 million people’s data. Also in the news, health care employment, female doctors, more.
New York AG Pushes FDA To Warn Of Mental Health Risks From Asthma Drug
New York Attorney General Letitia James asked the FDA to take immediate action to boost warnings of the mental health side effects of Singulair for children. Also in the news: Texas drops out of federal summer meals program for kids; Florida moves forward on a social media age bill; and more.
Viewpoints: The Grim Health Effects Of Climate Change; Fallout From Alabama IVF Ruling Has Begun
Editorial writers tackle climate change, Alabama’s recent ruling, tampon tax, and more.
Democrats Blast Alabama IVF Ruling; Republicans Aim To Minimize Election Impact
President Joe Biden called the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision “outrageous and unacceptable,” as Democrats link it to a expanding threat to reproductive health rights. Meanwhile, many Republicans defend the importance of IVF. In Alabama, 2 more IVF facilities paused operations while state Republicans eye new legislation.
Congress Lobbied To Pass PBM Reforms By State Attorneys General
The National Association of Attorneys General wrote House and Senate leaders this week, asking lawmakers to pass legislation that would require pharmacy benefit managers to disclose more about their prescription drug price negotiations. Other news from the capital reports on biotech, clinical trials, child welfare, and more.
Norovirus Is Surging Hardest In The Northeast
Cases of the stomach virus are blossoming across the country, with the hardest-hit region being the Northeast in recent weeks. Meanwhile, as measles outbreaks continue, Florida’s surgeon general defies scientific advice over unvaccinated kids attending school.
In Wake Of Trump’s 16-Week Abortion Ban Hint, 48% Say They’d Support It
The latest Economist/YouGov poll finds that nearly half of Americans would support a national 16-week abortion ban. The news comes after former President Donald Trump privately expressed that he’d back the idea in a potential second term. Also in the news: the “war” over states’ abortion shield bans; abortion rights on ballots; more.
Study Finds That Trans People Taking Testosterone Can Still Get Pregnant
A small study published Thursday found that 33% of the participants — transgender men and gender-diverse people who take testosterone — still ovulate and could therefore potentially become pregnant. In other news, Oklahoma’s gender policies are in the spotlight after the death of a nonbinary high schooler.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Has Alabama’s ‘Personhood’ Ruling Destroyed IVF Options?
Opinion writers examine the possible aftermath of the Alabama IVF ruling.
Editorial writers tackle cleaning product health concerns, malaria, gene therapy, and more.
Research Roundup: C. Diff; HPV Vaccine; Heart Disease; Heart Attack
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.