In Ohio, GOP Bill Would Make It Harder To Pass Pro-Choice Ballot Measures
April 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Abortion-rights activists have been circulating a petition that would put the issue to voters on the November ballot. But Republican lawmakers have advanced a ballot amendment of their own to raise the percentage of votes required to pass such measures — and they’ll put it on the August ballot, when fewer people vote. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Mike Pence trade opinions on abortion.
Abortion Pill Ruling Offers Temporary Clarity To Health Providers, Patients
April 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Full access to mifepristone until next year was likely assured by a Supreme Court’s decision Friday. Health care providers and abortion rights supporters voiced relief while President Joe Biden said he’d continue to fight legal and political challenges. And news outlets cover what the ruling means for patients.
First Edition: April 24, 2023
April 24, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
US Officials Want to End the HIV Epidemic by 2030. Many Stakeholders Think They Won’t.
By Daniel Chang and Sam Whitehead
April 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The federal government’s ambitious plan to end the HIV epidemic, launched in 2019, has generated new ways to reach at-risk populations in targeted communities across the South. But health officials, advocates, and people living with HIV worry significant headwinds will keep the program from reaching its goals.
Pain, Hope, and Science Collide as Athletes Turn to Magic Mushrooms
By Markian Hawryluk and Kevin Van Valkenburg, ESPN
April 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A group of former professional athletes traveled to Jamaica to try psychedelics as a way to help cope with the aftereffects of concussions and a career of body-pounding injuries. Will this still largely untested treatment work?
Newborn Returned To Black Parents In Texas Amid Claims Of Medical Bias
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Child Protective Services took the infant from her home March 28 after her parents chose to follow the directions of their licensed midwife rather than a directive from their pediatrician, The 19th reported.
Youth Suicide Attempts By OTC Drug Poisonings Surge In US
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Rates of suspected suicide attempts using drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen leaped 30% over pre-pandemic levels, Bloomberg reports. The news outlet also covers how TikTok’s algorithm is allegedly “pushing” suicide content to vulnerable teens. Also in the news, weed’s impact on creativity, dangers of “new car smell,” and more.
US News Pauses New Med, Law School Rankings Amid Controversy
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
U.S. News & World Report is delaying its influential but controversial rankings of some college programs in the face of numerous inquiries from schools over the data. Other hospital and insurance news from across the country is reported.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the dangers of medical tourism, body dysmorphia, “super seaweed,” and more.
Morning Briefing for Friday, April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Abortion pill ruling, insulin costs, Medicaid unwinding, Narcan pricing, covid, youth suicide, med school rankings, and more are in the news.
Millions May Mistakenly Fall Off Medicaid Rolls During Unwinding
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
USA Today reports on concerns that states will erroneously end coverage for eligible people as they unwind protections put in place during the pandemic. A case in point: KARK reports Arkansas DHS will reenroll some recipients who were disenrolled.
Gun Purchases Rose During Pandemic, Coinciding With Surge In Gun Deaths
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Academic studies show the share of Americans living in armed homes has climbed to 46%, up from 32% in 2010, The Hill reported. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris says it’s “pitiful” that Congress won’t stand up against the NRA to pass gun safety laws.
The Government’s At-Home Covid Tests Were Used By 1 In 3 Households
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
A study finds that 1 in 4 adults who used these tests would likely otherwise have gone untested. Meanwhile, lest we forget that covid is a continuing problem, an outbreak has hit a large Bay Area hospital, and the concerning subvariant Arcturus has been found in Los Angeles County.
House Passes Bill Targeting Trans Women In Sports; ND Bans Gender Care
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
House Republicans approved Thursday their measure to ban transgender students from playing on women’s sports teams, but Politico reports that the measure would likely stall in the Senate and, if passed, would be vetoed by President Joe Biden. In North Dakota, gender-affirming health care for minors was banned.
Senators Introduce Bill To Cap Insulin Price For Those With Private Insurance
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
The proposed legislation would require insurance plans to cap the price patients pay at no more than $35 per month and addresses the role of pharmacy benefit managers. The Inflation Reduction Act put such a limit in place for Medicare beneficiaries and President Joe Biden has called on Congress to extend the measure.
$50 Price For Over-The-Counter Narcan May Be Too High For Many Consumers
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Emergent BioSolutions said Thursday that a two-spray kit of Narcan will be priced at “less than $50” when it becomes available for sale without a prescription. Doctors and advocates tell news outlets that price point is too expensive for average consumers.
Issue Of Federal Abortion Ban Divides Republicans, Already Roils 2024 Race
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Republicans in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail are struggling to craft abortion positions that will satisfy their base but not further alienate moderates and independents who don’t support the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Supreme Court Justices To Meet Ahead Of Anticipated Abortion Pill Decision
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s actions by the Supreme Court are being closely watched as interim access to mifepristone may be determined while full legal challenges play out. The justices are reported to be holding a private conference in which the case may be discussed.
First Edition: April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.