Birth Control Apps Dodging Political, Emotional Furor Often Surrounding Contraception
The new technology is allowing women to obtain birth control without going to the doctor, and it's steadily gaining momentum. In other news, Florida taxpayers are footing the bill for the state's failed attempt to fine four abortion clinics, and as the Supreme Court's term winds down, many are watching out for the Texas clinic decision.
The New York Times:
Birth Control Via App Finds Footing Under Political Radar
A quiet shift is taking place in how women obtain birth control. A growing assortment of new apps and websites now make it possible to get prescription contraceptives without going to the doctor. The development has potential to be more than just a convenience for women already on birth control. Public health experts hope it will encourage more to start, or restart, using contraception and help reduce the country’s stubbornly high rate of unintended pregnancies, as well as the rate of abortions. (Belluck, 6/19)
Health News Florida:
Taxpayers Get Tab For Dropped Abortion Clinic Cases
Florida taxpayers are on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees for the state's failed attempt to fine four abortion clinics accused of performing second-trimester abortions without proper licenses. (Menzel, 6/17)
USA Today:
All Eyes Are On These Three Supreme Court Cases
Thirteen cases remain to be decided at the Supreme Court this month, but all eyes are on three of them. With the tumultuous 2015-16 term marked by Justice Antonin Scalia's death winding down, decisions on access to abortion, the use of affirmative action in college admissions, and the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants will determine whether the evenly-divided court tilted liberal or conservative. ... Another case from Texas challenges a state law that imposed major restrictions on abortion clinics, ostensibly to protect women's health. The law requires clinics to meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers and forces doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals — rules that threaten to leave only nine fully functioning abortion clinics in a state with 5.4 million women of reproductive age. (Wolf, 6/19)
