Latest KFF Health News Stories
Interest Grows In IUDs, Vasectomies As Patients Look Ahead
With Roe v. Wade possibly soon to be overturned, many Americans of childbearing years are researching secure birth control plans. And a new poll of women ages 18-29 finds that half would still seek out a needed abortion, even if illegal.
Political Leaders Trade Barbs Over Inflamed Abortion Protests
Though characterizing Republican outrage over abortion protests as a distraction from the core issue, Democrats are urging activists to temper techniques and avoid vandalism or personal threats.
State Abortion Battle Lines Deepen With Legislation, Court Cases
News outlets round up the efforts of Republican-led states to codify bans and target medication abortions, as well as states or regions led by Democrats scrambling for ways to protect access.
Senate Democrats Move Ahead With Abortion Bill Vote Expected To Fail
The Senate is poised to vote Wednesday on a bill introduced by Democrats to codify national abortion rights. But it is not expected to approach the 60 votes needed to surmount a Republican filibuster. In the run-up, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified on the potential economic harm to the nation of restricting reproductive health access.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Abortion Is Vital Health Care; A Total Abortion Ban Is Beyond McConnell’s Reach
Opinion writers weigh in on abortion rights and maternity care.
Deaths Of 3 Americans In Bahamas Came After Hospital Visits
More information emerged about the recent deaths of three Americans at a Sandals resort — the victims ate in different places but had sought medical help. Separately, in the U.K., reports say 10 million people have gone without meals deliberately because of costs or through availability issues.
Connecticut Starts To Address Lead-Poisoning In Kids
Meanwhile, in Alabama worries rise over a new law that makes it illegal to treat young trans people with gender-affirming medications — including patients who are already mid-treatment. Texas’s falling birth rate, the number of homeless people in San Francisco, and more are also in the news.
If You’re Black, Alzheimer’s Blood Tests Won’t Work As Well
New research into efforts to diagnose Alzheimer’s using blood tests shows they aren’t as accurate for African Americans, with a higher risk of misdiagnosis and thus incorrect treatments. Meanwhile, a separate study suggests some racial and ethnic groups should be screened earlier for diabetes.
More Resources May Be Needed For National Mental Health Line To Work
Fox News reports on concerns that states need more support for the upcoming 988 national mental health hotline to properly serve people’s needs. Also: efforts to promote Mental Health awareness in Iowa, an ACLU case against Indiana over mental health treatments for an inmate, and more.
Study: Drugmakers Paying More In Prescription Drug Rebates
A new study raises concerns this can tempt makers to “inflate list prices and PBMs to distort drug formularies to favor high list price and high-rebate therapies.” Meanwhile, the Washington Post covers different ways to save on prescription drug costs.
North Carolina, Virginia Hospitals Score Best In Latest Safety Rankings
They were among eight states that had 50% or more of its hospitals receive an “A” grade in the latest ratings from Leapfrog Group. But Wyoming, West Virginia, North Dakota and the District of Columbia had zero hospitals that received an “A” from the watchdog, Fierce Healthcare reports.
UK Trial Finds 4th MRNA Dose Raises Covid Protection
New research published in the Lancet shows how a second mRNA booster shot lifts antibody levels — possibly even above peak levels from a first booster dose. The Oklahoman and NPR however, report that despite the efficacy, many people who are eligible for vaccines or boosters still aren’t getting them.
Covid Hospitalizations Surging Again; Study May Explain Omicron’s Speed
ABC News reports that 41 states and territories have reported increases of 10% or more in their daily number of covid admissions. CIDRAP reports on a study that showed patients infected with omicron shed more live virus eight days after illness onset than those with the delta variant. In other news, White House adviser Susan Rice tests positive for covid.
US Has Few Funds To Bring To Table At Own Covid Summit
As the White House prepares to host world leaders and health experts, stalled negotiations with Congress over additional funds leaves the U.S. little to offer global pandemic response discussions. Speaking of: Democrats decouple Ukraine funding legislation from the thornier matter of covid money, in an effort to get Republicans on board.
Safety Concerns For Justices Prompt Senate Action
The Senate passed by unanimous consent a bill that would extend around-the-clock security protection by the Supreme Court’s police to members of the justices’ families. The White House also criticized vandalism and threats of violence by protesters.
Cities, Clinics Prep For Post-Roe World Of Traveling Patients, Investigations
A D.C. council bill would disallow the city from cooperating with outside state criminal prosecutions of anyone who gets or performs an abortion in the District. And Chicago is increasing funds to expand access.
Will Republicans Push National Abortion Ban? Party Is Divided
In the near-term, Republicans have enough votes to doom this week’s vote on Democrats’ national abortion rights bill. But longer term — whenever they next control the White House and Capitol Hill — there is a split over nationwide restrictions or an outright ban.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Health Care Workers Are In Crisis; Covid Challenge Trials Provided Important Data
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
