Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade In Landmark Abortion Decision
Ruling that there is no constitutional right to abortion, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to overturn decades of precedent. Abortion will be immediately outlawed in some states where trigger laws were already on the books.
Viewpoints: Can US Get Overdoses Under Control?; New Insurance Allows Shopping Around
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Opinion writers delve into long covid, monkeypox and abortion.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on autopsies, organ transplants, germs, covid, Rite Aid, and more.
State Department Prepares Payouts Over Havana Syndrome
NBC News and AP report that the government is preparing compensation in the range of $100,000 to $200,000 for victims of the mysterious Havana Syndrome if they have “qualifying injuries.” Meanwhile, a new study examines the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of typhoid fever.
In Privacy Lawsuit, Michigan To Destroy 3 Million Baby Blood Samples
The heel-prick blood spot tests have been kept in storage, and the decision was made during a lawsuit addressing consent and privacy. Mental competence of prisoners in Mississippi, a reprimand for a Health Commissioner at the Virginia Board of Health, and more are also reported.
Pediatrics Group Advises Suicide Risk Screening For All Adolescents
The American Academy of Pediatrics is now advising all youths 12 and older to be screened for depression and suicide risk. In other public health news, data on insomnia and sleep issues show young adults are the worst affected among any age groups in the U.S.
Safety Issue Halts Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Drug Trial
The Food and Drug Administration stopped the trial of a Sarepta drug, called SRP-5051, after a “serious safety incident.” Whistleblower lawsuits; Merck’s Seagen deal; Bausch Health; and a $21.7 million donation to help combat breast cancer are also in pharma news.
How Did Monkeypox Spread So Fast? Scientists Have New Clues
Scientists have already identified at least two versions of the virus in America, and genomic patterns suggest that sometime around 2018, monkeypox virus became better at spreading between people. Meanwhile, the federal government’s handling of the outbreak is being criticized as too cumbersome, drawing comparisons to the covid-19 debacle.
