Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democratic Lawmakers In Oregon Backtrack On Drug Decriminalization
The state had been leading a first-in-nation push for decriminalization of drug use, but now a new bill will re-criminalize possessing small amounts of drugs — it’s a reflection of the fentanyl crisis. Separately, Southwest Airlines will now carry the overdose reversal drug naloxone on flights.
Justice Department Files Brief To Supreme Court In Mifepristone Appeal
In the document, the Justice Department is urging the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that would severely restrict access to one of the two drugs used in an medication abortion. The Biden administration also argues that upholding the decision would threaten FDA authority.
Judge Allows ND Abortion Law To Stand That Puts Doctors In Legal Jeopardy
A North Dakota judge denied a preliminary injunction request from doctors who say that the state’s abortion law allows them to be prosecuted for providing emergency care.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: New Opioid More Dangerous Than Fentanyl; Are We Making Kids’ Anxiety Worse?
Editorial writers tackle nitazenes, mental health, snake oil cures, and more.
Biden Unveils Abortion, Contraception Initiatives On Roe Anniversary
The Biden administration is aiming to boost reproductive rights with new measures that would expand no-cost contraception under the Affordable Care Act and to better ensure emergency health services for pregnant people. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned on the issue later Tuesday in Virginia.
Dana-Farber To Retract 6 Papers And Correct 31 Others Due To Bad Data
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is expanding the list of studies that it must retract or correct due to alleged data manipulation by 4 of its top scientists. Other papers and manuscripts are also under review.
CDC: More Than 150 Babies, Pregnant Women Have Received Wrong RSV Shot
Following the release of two new RSV vaccines, the CDC warns of errors in administration of the shots, with some babies and pregnant women receiving the incorrect vaccine. Also in the news, the JN.1 covid variant, coughs that just won’t go away, and more.
North Carolina Report Says Asheville Hospital Threatens Patient Health
State inspectors looking into Mission Hospital found such serious deficiencies in care that the hospital risks losing Medicare and Medicaid funding. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, a patient reportedly waited four days for treatment for a broken wrist, earning an “unacceptable delay” citation from inspectors.
Half A Million New Yorkers May See Their Unpaid Medical Bills Cleared
The push, announced by Mayor Eric Adams, will clear about $2 billion of debt and comes thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt. Meanwhile, $12 million in southwestern Virginia medical debt has been cancelled by the Secular Society, affecting over 14,000 citizens.
Cameroon Is First In World To Roll Out Malaria Vaccine
The Guardian reminds us that 95% of deaths from malaria happen in Africa, with kids under 5 most affected. Meanwhile, in the U.K., millions of people are urged to get their kids up to date with MMR shots as a surge in measles cases hits.
10% Of All Fentanyl Seized By Feds In 2023 Was In New York City
Federal agents seized the most fentanyl ever in NYC last year, CBS News says. Also in the news: high gun suicide rates ion Wyoming; therapy and mental health resources will be offered to teachers in an American Federation of Teachers/Talkspace partnership; and more.
The 6-Week Abortion Ban In Texas Drove Up Teen Birth Rates
The Houston Chronicle reports that teen fertility rates rose in Texas in 2022, the year after a six-week abortion ban was passed. The rise is the first seen for 15 years. Meanwhile, in Maine, Democrats face an “uphill fight” to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Will Your Race Determine Your Emergency Care?; Legislation Would Improve Nursing
Opinion writers examine nursing home issues, nurse staffing shortages, and EMS disparities.
Respiratory Illness Risks Still High, But Covid And RSV May Be Tailing Off
CDC data may be showing some signs of reprieve in the seasonal peak of respiratory illnesses, at least in some places. Meanwhile, in California, the state’s deviation from CDC guidelines on covid isolation is in the news: Should you isolate if you have no symptoms?
CDC: Docs Should More Readily Consider Testing Patients For PFAS
News on “forever chemicals” is also on the U.S. Department of Defense’s plans for decontamination near a Michigan military base and what California winds do to microplastics. Other health news is on cervical cancer, coronary artery bypass grafting in women, the effect of power outages on health, and more.
Dangerous Winter Weather Has Killed Dozens Of People Across US
At least 72 people have died, state officials say, and the number is likely to climb. Other state health news is from Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Montana, Missouri, Florida, and elsewhere.
Viewpoints: Which Is The Right Way To Eat Healthy?; TRAP Laws Make Abortion Care Dangerous
Editorial writers discuss healthy eating, abortion care, chemotherapy, and more.
FDA Eyes End Of Year As Deadline For Inspection Procedure Overhaul
The reorganizational push at the agency comes in the wake of the infant formula crisis. Other FDA news is on manufacturing problems at an Eli Lilly plant, rules to trace foodborne illness outbreaks, and a Novartis breast cancer treatment TV ad.