Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Abortion Is Protected In Maine, But It's A Hot-Button Issue In US Senate Race
The 19th: In Maine, The Race To Unseat Susan Collins Is Resetting Around Abortion
As Maine Democrats vie to replace Graham Platner in their state’s Senate race, abortion — a key weakness for Republican Sen. Susan Collins — is set to shape the next phase of the contest, which Democrats view as a prime pick-up opportunity. Collins, whose home state voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents up for election this year. She has held onto power despite Maine’s blue tilt in large part by branding herself as an independent, and by highlighting her support for healthcare and abortion rights. (Luthra and Panetta, 7/13)
More news about abortion —
The New York Times: Kansans Will Vote On An Elected Supreme Court. The Target: Abortion.
A summer ballot measure in Kansas four years ago showed the enduring popularity of abortion rights even in deeply red states, and started a trend of ballot measures to defend them. Next month, Kansas will again vote on a measure with consequences for abortion — as well as for L.G.B.T.Q. rights, congressional redistricting and other hot-button issues. But none of those words will appear on the ballot. Kansans this time will decide whether to elect their state’s supreme court. (Zernike, 7/11)
NBC News: Abortion Pill Lawsuits Alleging That Men Force Women To Take Them Hit Snags In Court
It has become a prominent talking point for anti-abortion activists: Access to abortion pills by mail, they say, enables men to order the medications and coerce women to take them. (Bendix, 7/11)
In other news —
Axios: OB-GYN Pay Overhaul Spells Changes For Maternal Care
A major change to how OB-GYNs are paid is coming, bringing the potential for improved maternal health — but also higher costs. (Goldman, 7/13)
KBIA: Report: Most Pregnancy-Related Deaths In Missouri Are Preventable
Most pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri linked to mental health conditions, including drug addiction, could have been prevented, according to a new five-year report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (Farhat, 7/10)
The CT Mirror: More CT Residents Are Taking Testosterone
The number of androgen prescriptions in Connecticut — testosterone by far the most common among them — has increased by 63% over the past three years, according to data from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Prescription Monitoring Program. (Oetama, 7/10)
