Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fallout From NC Abortion Ban Will Reverberate In Southeast
The AP looks at why a former Democrat who ran on a pro-choice platform voted with Republicans in North Carolina to ban abortions at 12 weeks. Abortion developments from Texas, Wisconsin, and Nebraska are also in the news. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tries to avoid the abortion issue before an anti-abortion group.
Biden Hints At 14th Amendment Debt Limit Strategy
President Joe Biden says he believes the 14th Amendment could be used to raise the debt ceiling but that the delay caused by legal challenges will lead to a default anyway. In other news, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said that drug price caps in the Inflation Reduction Act are exacerbating drug shortages. Gottlieb serves as a director of Pfizer.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on CTE, bird songs, motherhood after 40, living underwater, the American Dream’s connection to loneliness.
Viewpoints: Why Wearable Devices Can’t Measure BP; Mammograms Aren’t Done Early Enough
Editorial writers weigh in on these health issues.
Texas Moves Toward Providing More Postpartum Care
The bill would raise the time allowed on Medicaid to 12 months from the current two months. And Minnesota is close to becoming the latest state to legalize recreational pot.
As Weight Loss Drugs Become Scarce, Some Patients Turn To Risky Sources
CIDRAP reports that with limited access to products like Ozempic and Wegovy, some people seeking the injectable drugs are turning to ordering from TikTok, medical spas, and questionable pharmacies. Meanwhile, The Washington Post says weight loss drugs reversed obesity for nearly half of teens.
A Fake Nurse Diploma Mill Uncovered
In other news, Mount Sinai in New York City is fined for staff shortages in its neonatal intensive care unit. And Mayo Clinic wants to be exempt from a nurse staffing law in Minnesota.
WHO: This Year’s Covid Boosters Should Include XBB Variant
A World Health Organization advisory group said Thursday that covid vaccines should be updated to target the new variant that’s dominant. In other news, transplant patients who receive a heart from a covid-infected donor may be at increased risk of death.
CDC Recommends Two Shots Of Mpox Vaccine
People at high risk for mpox should get two doses of the Jynneos vaccine, the CDC says. Separately, an FDA advisory committee has recommended an RSV vaccine for babies. And bon voyage: Norovirus is back on cruise ships after a pandemic respite, the CDC reports.
Investigation Into Navy Suicides Says Leadership Failed To Spot Signs
News outlets report on an investigation into a string of suicides among sailors assigned to the USS George Washington that turned up a number of failures. In other news, a bill to deliver cheaper health care to some vets who retire early and high injury rates among female army recruits.
Debt Fight Has Public Health Consequences
Clawing back unspent covid money to make a deal on the debt ceiling has public health consequences, like tracking sexually transmitted diseases. Also more information about the serious complications of Sen. Diane Feinstein’s shingles.
Newly-Approved Abortion Ban Temporarily Blocked In Montana
Pending a hearing, a Montana judge issued a restraining order against a law recently signed by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte that bans dilation and evacuation abortions. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, the governor signed a bill for the state to pay for some abortions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Myocarditis; Mpox; Antibiotic Allergies; Covid; And More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies.
Viewpoints: Is Veozah The Miracle Fix For Menopause Hot Flashes?; Vaccine Distrust Is Spreading
Editorial writers tackle these important health issues.
Florida Bans Trans Care For Minors; Similar Bill Awaits Texas Governor
Florida’s new law prohibits puberty blockers for transgender youth and creates more obstacles for trans adults. The Texas Legislature has also approved a bill that bans puberty blockers; minors who already get hormone treatment would have to wean off it, The New York Times said.
Warnings Issued About Mexican-Border Cancer Surgeries
Five people who got treatment in Matamoros, Mexico, developed fungal meningitis. Other news from across the country includes evidence that children as young as 4 can be taught to call 911 in a medical emergency, mushroom poisonings increase, and some endurance athletes may be at risk for atrial fibrillation.
FDA Questions Intercept’s Fatty Liver Disease Treatment
The FDA staff warned of increased risk of diabetes and liver injury from using Intercept Pharmaceuticals’ oral tablets, called obeticholic acid. In other news, Apple designs more accessibility features into its devices, and the Theranos founder must report to prison May 30.
Hospital Injuries Rose Sharply During Pandemic
Not only did patients suffer from injuries such as pressure ulcers from being bedridden, but hospital workers suffered more injuries, too. Also, a study (with 2,000 authors!) looked at DNA’s links to the risk of developing serious illness from covid. And news about the RSV vaccine.
