Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Administration Wades Into Transgender Debate With Proposed Athletics Rule
The Education Department proposed a regulation Thursday that would allow schools to limit participation of nonbinary and transgender students on university and K-12 school sports teams but would not allow schools to “categorically” ban them from teams. Separately, the Supreme Court refused to reinstate a ban on transgender athletes in West Virginia.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Pneumonia; IDH-Mutant Glioma; Obesity; And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Long Covid Has Become A Health Emergency; Why Has US Life Expectancy Dropped?
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Report Reveals Decades Of Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Baltimore Priests
More than 150 Catholic priests and clergy members associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore were accused of repeated sexual abuse of at least 600 children in events dating to the 1940s. The Baltimore Sun covers advice on how to process this type of traumatic revelation.
Diagnoses Of ADHD Are Soaring, And Women Are Most Affected
Fox News reports on a new study that says while diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have been climbing steadily across the U.S., the spike in numbers has been most significant among women. Meanwhile, new research shows that gun violence is becoming more lethal.
Trans People’s Rights, Gender Care Targeted By Bills In Several States
News outlets cover a long list of legal moves that target the ability of young trans people to access gender affirming care, play on sports teams, and access bathrooms. In North Dakota, 10 such bills were passed in just one day. But in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed an order protecting access to gender care.
Pfizer RSV Vaccine Highly Effective Against Severe Infant Infections
The experimental vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus was found to be 82% effective at stopping later, severe infections in infants when given to expectant mothers in the second half of pregnancy. Cancer treatments, cancer drug shortages, futuristic new drugs, and gut health are also in the news.
Michigan Officially Repeals Unenforceable 1931 Abortion Ban
A state constitutional amendment meant the old ban was no longer in effect, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats wanted to be on the safe side. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, the Democratic governor signed a bill protecting abortion providers from prosecution or extradition.
White House Moves To Crack Down On Medicare Advantage Care Denials
Final regulations issued Wednesday mean Medicare Advantage plans won’t be able to reject coverage of care that would otherwise be covered for those enrolled in the traditional Medicare program, Stat explains. Nursing home payments, hospital executive compensation, and more are also in the news.
Wars Not Linked To Spikes In Soldier Suicide Rates: Study
A study reported by the Military Times shows that even though there was an uptick in U.S. service member suicides during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, historically combat is not solely accountable for surges in troop suicide numbers. Separately, worries over mismanagement of military traumatic brain injuries.
Covid Origins: Updated Chinese Study Confirms Presence Of Raccoon Dog
Wednesday’s study, published in the journal Nature, “confirmed the existence” of the animal and others susceptible to the coronavirus at the Wuhan market, The New York Times reported. But researchers stressed that they found no direct evidence that a raccoon dog was infected and have not ruled out a scenario in which people gave the virus to animals.
Dementia Risks May Be Increased By Air Pollution Exposure, Analysis Finds
Harvard researchers say their analysis of 16 studies links chronic intake of toxic microscopic particulates known as PM 2.5 to conditions like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The EPA has been considering regulations to reduce that pollutant. Separately, the agency is limiting mercury emissions.
Idaho Enacts ‘Abortion Trafficking’ Law For Minors, The First Of Its Kind In US
The law, signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little, bans anyone from helping a minor get abortion pills or an abortion out of state without parental consent. A conviction could bring a punishment of up to five years in prison. Separately, health groups are suing the Idaho attorney general over an interpretation of the law that would punish providers who refer patients out of state for abortions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?; More Than Narcan Is Needed To Overcome Opioid Addiction
Read recent commentaries about drug issues.
Antibiotic Resistance In Humans And Animals Closely Linked
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Editorial writers discuss childhood obesity, climate change and rural hospitals.
Nevada Senate To Vote On Allowing Medically Assisted Death
A bill that would allow administration of prescription medicine to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives was approved by Nevada’s Senate Health and Human Services Committee and is set for a state Senate vote. Also: Medicaid in Connecticut, food assistance and Medicaid in Iowa, and more.
In Some States, Anti-Trans Laws Advance Like Never Before
Bloomberg explains that barely a day has passed in 2023 without some state lawmakers introducing what it labels as “anti-LGBTQ” bills that curtail trans people’s lives in some way. New York Magazine argues that anti-trans activists are using the same tactics as those who targeted abortion rights.
