Latest KFF Health News Stories
Supreme Court Nixes Hospitals’ Attempt To Change DSH Payouts
Modern Healthcare reports on a legal decision that went in favor of the Health and Human Services Department, denying a safety-net hospital push to change Medicare payout calculations for disproportionate share hospital payments, known at DSH. Past “medical tragedies,” Cue Health’s covid profits, cataract surgery fees, and more are also in the news.
UN Says Cannabis Use Up In US, Globally, From Legalization, Pandemic
A U.N. report says that covid lockdowns and expanding legalization have driven cannabis use up, and that THC strength is rising, too. In other news, a boil water alert in Mississippi, a recall of Daily Harvest products after claims of sickness, and the rise in captioning for people with hearing loss.
Court Allows Juul To Stay On Shelves — For Now
Following last week’s Food and Drug Administration ban of the company’s electronic cigarettes, Juul sued the FDA. A federal appeals court on Friday allowed sales to continue temporarily.
Pfizer Says Omicron Shot Better Against Variant Than First Jabs
Pfizer has developed a new version of its covid vaccines designed to combat omicron, and now says its results show a better antibody response against the variant than earlier Pfizer shots. Other research shows a fourth Pfizer dose is effective at preventing severe outcomes in nursing homes.
Worries Rise That Monkeypox Has Been Evolving Fast
Media outlets report on concerns in the scientific community that monkeypox has been evolving faster than may have been expected and is now more infectious. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization held back from calling the outbreak a global health emergency, even though reports note it’s spreading.
HIPAA Won’t Shield Reproductive Data; Digital Health Trail Worries
News outlets examine how medical records and online data, including women leaving trace evidence of their reproductive health on websites and in apps, may be impacted by the Supreme Court’s controversial decision on abortion. Separately, CNN notes which U.S. companies will cover some abortion costs.
‘Big Step Backwards’: Many World Leaders Condemn Abortion Decision
“Horrific” and “appalling” were among some of the descriptions global leaders used to describe the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of decades of abortion rights. Combined with recent increases in gun violence, some of those also see America’s ability to lead on the world stage as again backsliding.
Hypocritical Or Consistent? Court Allows State Limits On Abortion But Not Guns
Last week’s two controversial decisions ignite legal debate over the direction of the conservative-majority court and their “originalism” arguments. In related news, gun violence experts weigh in on the new federal safety measures President Joe Biden signed into law Saturday.
Demand Surges, Women Turned Away: Clinics Prepare For Post-Roe World
In some states, the Supreme Court decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion took effect quickly, leavbing patients and staff in clinics stunned and helpless.
IVF Patients, Doctors Make Contingency Plans For Frozen Embryos
“There is a race to see who can be the most extreme on abortion restrictions, and I can tell you who the losers of that are going to be: fertility patients and women who might need contraception,” said Sean Tipton of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine..
Candidates Eye Signs About How Abortion Issue May Shake Up Midterms
Republicans hailed the Supreme Court’s decision during weekend political rallies, with former Vice President Mike Pence advocating for a federal ban. And news outlets report on how conservative attitudes are gaining ground in many parts of the U.S.
Where To From Here? Abortion Opponents Consider Next Steps
With Roe v. Wade overturned, opponents of abortion debate the extent of next steps within the movement. Also, news outlets examine what last week’s Supreme Court decision means for contraception and same-sex marriage.
Biden Administration Gears Up To Preserve Access To Abortion Pills
The Department of Justice issued a warning that states can’t restrict access to mifepristone, as it is a FDA approved drug. But such restrictions are already on the books in 30 states.
Churches Walk Celebratory Line Over Roe Reversal
The historic ruling was referenced at Sunday services across the nation, with some pastors celebrating and others acknowledging mixed sentiment on the issue. A Vatican editorial reminded people that “pro-life” does not just mean anti-abortion and that more needs to be done to improve maternal health and income inequality.
Ohio Lifts Block On Law Banning Abortions After 6 Weeks
News outlets from Ohio report on the impact of a ban on abortions in Ohio after fetal cardiac activity can be detected at about six weeks — including cancelled appointments and referrals to out-of-state facilities. Other abortion news from across the Midwest and South East of the country is also reported.
Planned Parenthood Sues To Stop Utah’s ‘Trigger’ Abortion Ban
The law went into effect after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but Planned Parenthood opposes it. The organization is trying to block officials from enforcing the law, which it calls “unconstitutional.” Meanwhile, in South Dakota the Republican governor called for an abortion pill ban.
Frenzy Of State Abortion Laws Already In Works After Supreme Court Ruling
Legislators rush to outlaw or protect abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court decision that empowers states to end abortion rights within their borders. And activists on both sides of the issue gear up to respond to those efforts. Meanwhile, many women reel from a decision that strips away their rights.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Thomas Opens Door For Challenges To Contraception, Gay Right Rulings
In a concurring majority opinion, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas argued for overturning other case precedent on the same grounds used in the abortion decision. Three previous cases he referenced specifically would target contraceptives and LGBTQ rights.
‘Health And Life Of Women Across This Nation Are Now At Risk’: Biden Blasts Decision
President Joe Biden swiftly reacted to the Supreme Court overturning abortion rights, saying “the court has done what it’s never done before — expressly taking away a constitutional right that is so fundamental to so many Americans.” Other lawmakers weighed in on the justices’ move.