Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ohio Abortion Ban Temporarily Halted
Judge Christian Jenkins said it was “no great stretch” to see that Ohio law “recognizes a fundamental right to privacy, procreation, bodily integrity, and freedom of choice in health care decision making,” he wrote in the ruling. The state’s ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy will be suspended for at least 14 days.
Monkeypox Antiviral Overuse Could Spur Mutations, Warns FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors to be judicious in prescribing tecovirimat, or Tpoxx, to avoid forcing the virus to mutate. Separate reports say the number of Black men diagnosed with monkeypox is rising. And an Iowa nurse was fired for improper vaccine shots.
Covid Pandemic’s End Is ‘In Sight,’ WHO Chief Says
With covid deaths declining worldwide after the surge of the last few months, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday: “We are not there yet, but the end is in sight.” He urged nations to keep up efforts to combat the virus and to also better plan ahead for future pandemics.
Prominent Covid Data Tracker Will Start Scaling Back
Johns Hopkins University’s “Covid-19 Dashboard” has served as a go-to resource for infection, hospitalization, and death data throughout the pandemic. Now, as the availability of metrics retracts and public interest wanes, the school plans to reduce its tracking.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs Are Particular Problem For Cancer Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Abortion Exemptions Are Clear As Mud; Endemic Covid Still Worse Than Annual Flu
Editorial writers delve into these various public health topics.
Inquiry Into Possible Data Manipulation In Heart Studies Expands
Independent investigations have begun by three medical journals, Reuters says, over potential data manipulation in heart studies by Temple University researchers. In other news, Aetna will enter more ACA exchanges, a class-action lawsuit against Cigna expands, and more.
Study Suggests Best Way To Stop A Baby’s Cries
The method, reported in USA Today, includes a combination of walking with the baby and then sitting before putting them to bed. Separately, reports say privacy concerns over baby heel-stick blood test samples are rising, and that there is little evidence for routine youth diabetes screening.
Pandemic May Be Behind First Rise In San Francisco’s HIV Rates In 10 Years
The San Francisco Chronicle notes 2021’s data shows the first recorded year-over-year rise of HIV infection rates in nearly a decade, though delayed tests from 2020 may contribute. Diet pill sales, transgender birth certificates, and more are also in the news.
Neurological Complications Reported In 2 US Monkeypox Cases
Bloomberg and CIDRAP say encephalomyelitis has been seen in two cases of monkeypox in the U.S., both in otherwise healthy men in their 30s, warranting further study. Meanwhile, a health care worker in L.A. County has reportedly been infected while at work, the first such case.
Worries Rise About Complicated US Covid Booster Program
Stat says the “new heights of complexity” caused by the rollout of bivalent boosters is fueling concerns over errors in administering the shots. PBS NewsHour tries to break through the clutter with a guide on if, how, and why people should get a new shot.
Big Uptick For Social Security Cost Of Living Predicted For 2023
Media outlets report on how the roughly 70 million Americans who rely on Social Security could see payments jump 8.7% for 2023, the biggest leap since 1982, against a background of high inflation. The figures are estimates, and factors between now and then — including Medicare premiums — could influence the adjustment.
Sen. Graham Introduces Bill To Ban Abortion Nationwide After 15 Weeks
The proposed legislation from Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, would prohibit all abortions in the U.S. after 15 weeks except in cases of rape or incest or to protect the life of a mother. It’s a move predicted to further inflame abortion politics ahead of the November midterm elections, and not one all Republicans immediately embraced.
West Virginia Passes Abortion Ban, Is Second State To Do So Since Roe’s Fall
Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, is expected to sign the bill after calling for the special legislative session to “clarify” abortion law in the state. The bill has exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. Meanwhile, an abortion ban in Indiana — the first state to pass a new law this summer — will take effect Thursday.
Covid Aid Drove Down Uninsured And Poverty Rates To New Lows
The Census Bureau reports that 8.3% of Americans were not covered by some form of health insurance in 2021. Federal pandemic policies that eased Medicaid eligibility and subsidized ACA premiums were largely responsible. The poverty rate also dropped, especially among kids, thanks largely to the child tax credit. The improvements may be temporary, though, when aid programs expire.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Judge Dismisses Opioid Discrimination Lawsuit Against Walgreens
A proposed class action suit accused the pharmacy of discriminating against people with disabilities when being asked to fill high-dose opioid prescriptions. In other news, five doctors pled guilty in a pain pill scheme in West Virginia.
Opinion writers examine covid, polio and abortion.