Latest KFF Health News Stories
Wisconsin Anti-Abortion Group Hit In Arson Attack
News outlets report a fire early Sunday at the office of Family Action is being investigated by local police as arson. Meanwhile the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has predicted Wisconsin’s abortion ban law wouldn’t stay in place long if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Inner Workings Of Supreme Court Under Microscope With Leak
NPR’s court reporter says that the “leading theory” is that a conservative clerk leaked the Supreme court draft opinion last week, while Republicans want the Justice Department to launch another investigation. And the daughter of Norma McCorvey, the famous “Jane Roe” plaintiff, reacts to the looming reversal of abortion law.
Protesters, Public Opinion Polls Voice Opposition For Overturning Roe
In continued reaction to the Supreme Court’s leaked decision: Abortion-rights supporters have continued to protest, including outside justices’ homes. And a wave of donations flow to reproductive rights groups, while surveys show more Americans support federal abortion rights. Also, demand for abortion medication is on the rise.
Senate To Vote On Abortion Bill As Democrats Warn GOP Will Push National Ban
Senate Democrats are targeting Wednesday to hold what is expected to be a symbolic vote on a doomed bill to codify abortion rights in the U.S. Lawmakers took to the Sunday morning shows to voice their support or opposition for an expected Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Ideas To Tackle Mental Health Struggles; Florida Ignoring Kids’ Mental Health Needs
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues.
Editorial writers examine the many aspects of abortion rights.
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 abortion, doulas, long covid, elderly driving, dermal fillers, and more.
Florida Settles Opioid Case With Walgreens For $683 Million
It’s the final settlement in a years-long case that totaled $3 billion in damages from 12 defendants. In Minnesota, the state Senate passes a bill to distribute millions for a separate opioid-related settlement.
Child Hepatitis Case Reported In North Dakota
The child is recovering at home after a brief hospitalization according to AP. The Washington Post reports on the mysterious pediatric hepatitis surge. Meanwhile, the disease causing meningitis hit Tallahassee as an outbreak in Florida grows: three new cases of meningococcal disease are reported.
White House Concerned Booster Supply May Soon Run Dry
Meanwhile, studies show two doses of J&J’s covid vaccine are effective against omicron; two novel covid vaccines show promise; California may allow pre-teens to get shots without parental consent; controversies over masking and mandates continue; and more.
Despite Omicron Surge, Insurers And Hospitals Are ‘In Very Good Shape’
Stat reports that even though federal relief efforts have eased, many hospitals and large insurance firms are doing as well or better than before the pandemic hit.
Common Pig Virus May Have Affected Experimental Human Transplant
The revolutionary surgery that saw a human receive a pig’s heart may have ended with the patient’s death because of pig cytomegalovirus, it’s now suspected. Separately, a push to get more Black Americans to sign up for organ donation, plus developments in uterine cancer and ibuprofen use.
Scientists Report Link Between Covid Infection And Impotence
Reports of male impotence after a covid infection may not just be related to pandemic anxiety or stress, as scientists begin to think the virus lingers in cells, causing erectile dysfunction and low sperm counts. Separately: a push to study Paxlovid’s use against long covid, and other covid news.
WHO: Nearly 3 Times More People Died During Pandemic Than Officials Say
The World Health Organization says the number of direct or indirect deaths because of the pandemic is 14.9 million for 2020 and 2021 — 2.7 times more than official figures of 5.42 million globally. Most “excess” deaths were from covid, but some were for issues like difficultly in accessing medical care.
Insurers To See Low Impact Of Ending Roe; Providers Prepare For Upheaval
Modern Healthcare notes an overturn of Roe v. Wade would merely result in health insurers having to deal with different local rules — normal in an industry used to patchwork regulations. Other reports say abortions have been falling in the U.S., but the Supreme Court leak unsettled the public and urged providers to put new plans in place.
States V. States: Cross-Border Abortion Fights Could Play Out In Courts
In other abortion news from the states: an effort to codify abortion rights in New Hampshire fails; Louisiana advances bill to classify abortion as homicide; and much more.
Chief Justice Says ‘Appalling’ Leak Won’t Change Outcome Of Case
Chief Justice John Roberts made his first public comments on the explosive publication of the draft opinion, saying he hopes “one bad apple” will not spoil public perception of the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, legal experts examine the potential domino effect of striking down case precedent.
Warnings Raised Of Violent Protests Against Roe Reversal
As protests and marches happen across the country, law enforcement officials are also expecting violent unrest. And tall fences have been erected around the Supreme Court building. Media outlets also cover how Hollywood and corporate America are responding to the news.
Democrats Lack Votes To Pass Bill Codifying Roe
Senate leaders plan a doomed vote for next week on legislation to protect abortion rights at the federal level in a symbolic move, as Democrats worry they have no strategy on the issue. Meanwhile, both parties see ways an overturned Roe v. Wade could help them in the fall elections.
