Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democrats Want Contraception Rights Vote To Expose GOP Policies
The Senate will vote in June on legislation designed to protect contraception access, expecting Republicans to block the bill and show their cards on what’s expected to be a key campaign issue. Meanwhile, in Texas, an anti-abortion doctor was appointed to the state maternity committee.
Record Number Of Teens Are Obtaining And Dying From Fentanyl
Fatal opioid overdoses among youth ages 12 to 17 has doubled since the start of the covid pandemic, according to The Washington Post’s analysis of CDC data. Pediatricians have been startled by the spike and say that treatment options for patients that young are limited.
More Americans Prefer Daily Dose Of Weed Over Alcohol, Analysis Finds
In other news, cannabis-using teens are a greater risk of developing a psychotic disorder, study says. Meanwhile, a former drug czar sounds the alarm on the cannabis industry, likening it to Big Tobacco.
Vaccines Largely Did Their Job In Warding Off Long Covid, Study Finds
In another study, scientists are looking at a new antiviral to help ailing covid patients, but the high level of immunity in the population is complicating efforts to test obeldesivir in humans.
Michigan Dairy Worker Is Second Human In US Infected With Bird Flu
Meanwhile, wastewater surveillance monitoring will pick up nationally in the coming weeks. And clues from Texas identify the state as the likely ground zero for the H5N1 spread.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘A Major Step Forward’: HIV Vaccine Candidate Sparks Immune Response
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
WHO Says The World Is Seeing Rising STI Infections
In particular chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, all curable, are driving over a million daily infections, according to new WHO data. In other news, microplastics are found in human testicles, a study says teens are drinking too much caffeine, and more.
FDA Staff Voice Concern Over Eagerly Awaited Blood-Based Colon Cancer Test
The remarks about the Shield test, made by Guardant Health, came ahead of Thursday’s meeting with outside advisers. Other pharmaceutical news is on alcohol-associated liver disease, weight loss drugs, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and more.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Viewpoints: Why Hasn’t Polio Been Eradicated?; Here’s Why Americans Are Always Fatigued
Editorial writers discuss polio, sleep deprivation, nuclear testing, and digital health.
In Just One Year, Over 1,000 People Called California’s Anti-Hate Hotline
The California vs. Hate network was launched last May in response to rising hate-related issues. Meanwhile, the California Senate passed a bill that addresses social media addiction in kids and teens.
Minors’ Gender Care Banned In South Carolina As Governor Signs Bill
Transition surgery, puberty-blocking drugs, and hormone treatments are now banned for all people under 18 in South Carolina, after Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, signed a bill that passed through the state legislature earlier this month.
Spotlight On Opt-Out Fees As NewYork-Presbyterian Charges Union Fund $25M
The Wall Street Journal writes about a $25 million fee charged by NewYork-Presbyterian hospital system to a major union benefits fund, which wanted to exclude the system from its plan over alleged high prices. The fee exists via Aetna’s contract with the hospital.
Four Years In, California Had Its First Day With Zero Covid Deaths
In other news, the CDC wants local and state authorities to continue monitoring flu activity at peak levels during the summer as concerns over the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus grow.
Senators Accuse Pharmaceutical Firms Of Abusing Patent System
But an official from PhRMA, the drug industry’s trade group, said the current patent system has proper “checks and balances.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., shot back: “You think it’s working? Yeah, well, I don’t.” Other news from the Hill is on the farm bill and SNAP.
White House Overhauls, Streamlines Patient Complaint Process
The goal is to make it faster and easier for the federal government to investigate patient complaints, such as being denied emergency care or an abortion. Separately, the Biden administration is pressured to quash fraudulent ACA enrollments.
Possession Of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Closer To Being A Crime In Louisiana
If signed into law, people without valid prescriptions could face five years in prison. Pregnant women who acquire the medications for their own use, however, would be exempt. Meanwhile, presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump walks back his statement about banning birth control.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Policies Hinder Needed Immigrant Doctors; Here’s How PCPs Hope To Collaborate With AI
Editorial writers tackle immigrant doctors, AI in health care, mental health, and more.
