Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Cord Blood Bank Sued By Two States Over Misleading Advertising
The New York Times: Two States Sue Cord Blood Bank Over False Advertisements
Two states are suing a company that stores newborn stem cells, claiming that it has misled parents about the medical value of its expensive services. The company, Cord Blood Registry, houses more than a million samples of umbilical cords in Tucson, Ariz., charging families thousands of dollars in fees. CBR claims on its website that keeping those cells on ice is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” because they have the “potential to treat 80+ conditions.” (Kliff and Ghorayshi, 3/25)
In abortion updates —
The Hill: Hawley Bill To End FDA Approval Mifepristone Picks Up Senate GOP Support
Sen. Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) bill to revoke the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the drug mifepristone for use in terminating pregnancies is picking up Senate Republican support, as the push to stop its shipment across state lines is becoming a top priority of the anti-abortion movement. Hawley’s bill, which would make distributing and labeling mifepristone for abortions a violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, has quickly picked up the support of three other GOP senators: Sens. John Cornyn (Texas), Ted Budd (N.C.) and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.). (Bolton, 3/25)
Dayton Daily News: Area Lawmakers Hope To Push Contested ‘Abortion Reversal’ Treatment In Ohio
Two Miami Valley state lawmakers want to compel abortion providers in Ohio to inform patients that they might be able to “reverse” their decision after taking the first of two doses in a medication abortion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved such a treatment, and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists says the treatment is “not based on science” and does “not meet clinical standards.” (Kreemer, 3/24)
The Current: Georgia Mother Released On Bond As Judge Questions Abortion-Related Murder Charge
A Coastal Georgia district attorney and a Superior Court judge said Monday they were doubtful that enough evidence exists to move forward with a malice murder charge against a 31-year-old Camden County mother arrested earlier this month for an alleged illegal abortion, paving the way for a possible reduction or dismissal of charges. (Gibbs, 3/25)
Fox News: University Of Oregon To Offer Abortion Pills To Students This Fall
The University of Oregon recently announced the school will begin offering abortion pills to its students beginning in the fall. The Lund Report, an independent outlet that covers health news for Oregon and southwest Washington, reported the school will start offering mifepristone and misoprostol to students at the university health center only. (de Guidice, 3/25)
