Latest News On Pregnancy

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Call For FDA To Withdraw Preterm Birth Drug Divides Doctors and Insurers

KFF Health News Original

A study ordered by the Food and Drug Administration failed to prove that Makena, the only drug approved to prevent premature birth, is effective. While a panel of experts has recommended withdrawing the drug’s approval, many doctors are wary.

In Massachusetts, Minors Need Permission For Abortion, But That Could Change

KFF Health News Original

A parental consent requirement for minors who seek abortions is still on the books in left-leaning Massachusetts, as well as about two dozen other states. But a proposed Massachusetts law seeks to repeal that consent requirement and shore up the right to abortion in case the Supreme Court strikes down the federal right to the procedure.

In The Fight For Money For The Opioid Crisis, Will The Youngest Victims Be Left Out?

KFF Health News Original

The opioid epidemic is intergenerational, with tens of thousands of babies born every year dependent on opioids. Advocates worry that settlement dollars resulting from lawsuits against the drug industry might not benefit these children.

California’s Working Mothers Get Stronger Support For Workplace Lactation

KFF Health News Original

A new state law that takes effect Jan. 1 requires employers to provide spaces where women can pump their breast milk comfortably and privately, with access to electricity, running water and refrigeration.

Medicaid Tweak Might Offer Means To Improve U.S. Maternal Health

KFF Health News Original

Many pregnant women lose health coverage shortly after delivery. Democratic presidential candidates are eyeing the issue, and some experts say making Medicaid more accessible to new moms could be an answer.

Federally Funded Obria Prescribes Abstinence To Stop The Spread Of STDs

KFF Health News Original

Obria, a Christian medical chain, was awarded federal family planning funds for its California clinics for the first time this year. Clinics receiving Title X funds are expected to treat and prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Obria’s prohibition against condoms means its prevention efforts rest on abstinence, even as STD rates surge.

Insurers Test New Way To Cut Maternity Care Costs: Bundling

KFF Health News Original

More insurers are experimenting with paying health care providers one lump sum to cover the cost of maternity care. Physicians and insurers hope the model — known as bundled payments — will help improve health outcomes.

5 Takeaways From Court Arguments On Trump’s New Abortion Referral Rule

KFF Health News Original

The legal fight over the Trump administration’s new rule barring health clinics that receive federal family planning grants from referring women for abortion services played out before a divided federal appeals court Monday. Here are key takeaways.

California Tries Again To Make Medication Abortions Available At Its Colleges

KFF Health News Original

A proposed state law would require on-campus health centers to provide students with the medicines that allow them to end an unwanted pregnancy. Former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill last year, but Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he would sign it.

How #MeToo Is Changing Sex Ed Policies — Even In Red States

KFF Health News Original

Liberalized sex education policies are being considered in more states, even traditionally conservative ones, as more female lawmakers take office and legislators react to the #MeToo movement.

‘An Arm And A Leg’: Expecting A Baby And Unexpectedly Dropped By Insurer

KFF Health News Original

Health care — and how much it costs — is scary. But you’re not alone with this stuff, and knowledge is power. “An Arm and a Leg” is a podcast about these issues, and its second season is co-produced by KHN.

What The Possible End Of Abortions In Missouri Means For Neighboring States

KFF Health News Original

While Missouri’s final abortion clinic may stop providing the procedure this week, women in the state had already been seeking care in neighboring states as regulations increasingly limited abortion access.