Reproductive Health / Public News Service

Wisconsin is among the handful of states that have yet to formally adopt expanded postpartum health coverage through Medicaid. So far, nearly 40 states have done so. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 5, 2023

WI Budget: Renewed Push to Include Expanded Postpartum Health Care

Wisconsin policymakers have less than a month to adopt a new state budget. Advocates for extending postpartum health coverage through Medicaid hope …

Nebraska was one of 10 states to further restrict abortion access in the 2023 legislative session. At least 48 bills were passed involving restrictions for LGBTQ+ individuals. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Plaintiffs Speak Out in Suit Against Controversial New NE Law

A new Nebraska law is now the subject of a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Lancaster County. In its amended form, Legislative Bill 574 …

Either the Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokia or Dr. Caitlin Bernard can appeal the Indiana Medical Licensing Board's decision in Marion County Superior Court. (Adobe Stock)

Board Fines Indiana Doc for Speaking about 10-Year-Old's Abortion

An Indiana licensing board has fined a local physician $3,000 and handed her a letter of reprimand after she went public about a 10-year-old Ohio pati…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls well-child visits

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

Although Missouri's 2023 legislative session was contentious and resulted in a historically low number of bills being passed, advocates for children …

Nineteen states have passed laws banning or restricted abortion since the overturning of Roe versus Wade in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

In Ohio, Abortion Rights Fuel Fight Over Ballot Measures

By Belle Taylor-McGhee for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends every woman get a well-woman checkup once a year. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts to Women: Put Your Personal Health on the Front Burner

As Women's Health Week continues, experts in Wisconsin and elsewhere are reminding women to prioritize their well-being. The Centers for Disease …

Beyond extending postnatal health coverage, some health leaders say improving paid-leave benefits can help address health complications that pregnant women can face, such as an elevated risk for stroke. (Adobe Stock)

A Spotlight on Stroke Risks for Pregnant Women

Research has emerged about the link between pregnancy complications and a higher risk of stroke, and a Wisconsin health expert suggested it is a risk …

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2022 Women's Health Survey, 21% of women, including 38% of uninsured women, said it is difficult to find a doctor who can explain things so they are easy to understand. (Adobe Stock)

NY Works to Improve Women’s Health

This week is National Women's Health Week, and New York is taking steps to improve women's health. The New York state Legislature has passed …

Nationwide, 543 anti-trans bills have been introduced since the start of the 2023 legislative session. So far, 70 have passed. (James Reininger/Adobe Stock)

NE Legislature Faces One Bill Restricting Two Personal Health Care Decisions

This week the Nebraska Legislature will consider a bill containing the two most controversial issues of the 2023 session: restrictions on medical trea…

Florida's new six-week abortion limit is contingent on the outcome of a Florida Supreme Court case about the privacy clause in the Constitution. Until then, the state's current 15-week abortion ban remains in place. (Pixabay)

New Campaign for Florida Voters to Decide on Abortion Protections

Arguing politicians should never be able to force a person to carry a pregnancy against their will, a coalition of abortion rights groups is now …

Women of color, both in Indiana and nationally, experience higher rates of stillborn births and infant mortality. Experts say there are multiple factors, including stress and economic, racial and gender discrimination. (Adobe Stock)

IN Minority Health Coalition Works to Lower Infant Mortality Rates

Indiana ranks eighth in the country for stillbirth and infant mortality numbers, as many counties lack access to obstetric care. One out of every 16…

Gov. Jay Inlsee has signed a slate of bills passed by lawmakers protecting access to abortions in Washington state. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

After Legislative Session, WA Leads Nation in Protections for Abortion

Washington state lawmakers have passed some of the strongest protections for abortion access in the country. With another session in the books…

By federal law, all states provide Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related services to pregnant women with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level and cover them up to 60 days postpartum, according to KFF. Missouri lawmakers are considering expanding these services to cover a year. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push for More Postpartum Healthcare Funding

Healthcare advocates in Missouri are urging support for a measure that would expand health care services for new mothers on Medicaid. Senate Bill 45…

Reproductive-Rights Supporters See Path to Victory: Letting Voters Decide

By Belle Taylor-McGhee for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, more than 50 countries have

Faith Leaders On Nebraska's LB 626, Religious Freedom and Maternal Care

Identifying as a person of faith is not synonymous with supporting Legislative Bill 626, the six-week abortion ban bill in the Nebraska legislature…

Democratic lawmakers are calling for term limits to ensure each president has the opportunity to appoint the same number of Supreme Court justices each term, in an effort to make the high court more democratically representative. (Adobe Stock)

MA Lawmakers Call for Expansion of U.S. Supreme Court

Massachusetts lawmakers in Congress are calling for an expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court due to what they said are "ethical lapses" and "partisan …

In Texas, abortion is completely banned with very limited exceptions. This forces patients to make two trips out of state, one for in-person counseling and another at least 24 hours later for the abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Showdown Over Abortion Medication Continues

The battle over a prescription drug used in abortions continues, now to be heard by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on May 17. The pill…

In Maine, an estimated 92% of abortions occur by the 12th week of pregnancy, with nearly 70% occurring before nine weeks. Abortions at or after 21 weeks are rare, representing 1% of abortions in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

ME Medical Community Reaffirms Support for Abortion Medication

Maine's medical community is applauding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone. The justices …

In North Dakota, opponents of a proposed abortion ban which cleared the Legislature said anti-abortion politicians are trying to control women's bodies and lives. Supporters contend they are trying to protect the unborn. (Adobe Stock)

As Court Case Plays Out, ND Lawmakers Approve Abortion Ban

North Dakota has been steeped in a legal challenge to the state's trigger ban on abortions, which is currently blocked. Now, the Legislature has …

Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs, providing timely treatment, and delivering respectful, quality care can prevent many pregnancy-related deaths. (Adobe Stock)

Drilling Down Into Social Factors Linked to Unequal Health Outcomes

Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women, even though more than eight in 10 pregnancy-related deaths are …

Gender affirming care can improve the mental health of young people. (AngelHerrezuelo/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Supports Trans Youth as Attacks Across US Increase

As legislation across the country targets transgender people, Washington state lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction. The Legislature …

The abortion drug mifepristone remains available in 19 states, including Illinois, while a pair of federal rulings are heard by a federal appeals court. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood IL: Abortion Pill Ruling a 'Political Stunt'

Women's health groups in Illinois and across the country are angered by a pair of federal court rulings last week on the abortion drug mifepristone…

Health care advocates fear restrictions on abortion medication could be especially harmful to African American women, who are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (ACLU Mass.)

MA Lawmakers Vow to Protect Abortion Medication Access

Massachusetts lawmakers are vowing to protect access to the abortion drug mifepristone, after two competing rulings by federal judges has left access …

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, many states have passed near-total bans on abortion, with some states criminalizing the procedure and those who assist others in obtaining one. (traci1/Adobe Stock)

Dueling Opinions Likely to Send Abortion Issue to U.S. Supreme Court

Access to medication abortion will be front and center this week after two competing court rulings, in Texas and Washington, were handed down Friday…

Idaho is surrounded by states where abortion is legal, including Montana, Oregon and Washington. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

ID Criminalizes Helping Minors Travel Out-of-State for Abortions

Idaho is the first state in the nation to criminalize the act of helping people younger than age 18 get an abortion in another state. House Bill 242…

Wisconsin Republicans have weakened the powers of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and his attorney general. Advocates say that has made it harder for the state to pursue environmental cases in court. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court Race Outcome Also Linked to Climate Issues

As the state of Wisconsin analyzes the outcome of this week's state Supreme Court election, environmental advocates are hopeful about what it means …

There are more than 7,004 certified nurse midwives currently employed in the United States, according to Zippia. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Midwife Law a Step Closer

The Iowa House has passed a measure to establish a licensing board for midwives. Iowa is one of 15 states currently without such a program, often …

In 2020, 35% of Idaho mothers had Medicaid at the time of their child's birth. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

ID Lawmakers Fail to Address Health Concerns for Pregnant Women

With concerning trends emerging for pregnant and postpartum women, frustration is growing that Idaho lawmakers could end the session without …

According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortion made up roughly 39% of all abortions in the United States in 2017 and more than 50% by 2020. (Adobe Stock)

NE State Senator Faces Bipartisan Criticism for Abortion Ban Amendment

Abortion restrictions have been a hot topic in the Nebraska Legislature for the second year in a row, and now the issue has heated up even more. Sen…

In 2021, the U.S. maternal mortality rate was 33%. That compares to 24% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Sees Major Spike in Pregnancy-Linked Deaths

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show another increase in the nation's maternal mortality rate, and a Minnesota expert …

Oregon nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham filed a petition to have their union voluntarily recognized but were denied. (Oregon Nurses Association)

Nurses Fear Fallout from Closure of OR Birth Center

Nurses are concerned about the closure of a Portland-area birth center set to go through today. The Family Birth Center at Legacy Mount Hood …

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he would sign a proposed six-week abortion ban into law if it gets to his desk. (Pixabay)

'Scary Times,' as FL Republicans Propose 6-Week Abortion Ban

On the opening day of Florida's legislative session, Republican lawmakers filed bills in the House and Senate to ban abortions after six weeks…

A 2022 abortion bill failed to pass in the Nebraska Legislature. Legislative Bill 933 included criminal penalties for doctors who performed abortions, and the only exception was to save the life of the mother. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Nearly 60% of Nebraskans Oppose Abortion Bill in Legislature

Nebraska would have one of the strictest abortion laws in the country should Legislative Bill 626 become law. It recently passed out of committee…

In 2021, Colorado Community Health Centers directly employed 6,081 full-time employees, and supported an additional 5,094 jobs in other businesses in their communities through the purchasing of goods and services. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Community Health Centers Add $1.7 Billion in Economic Activity

Colorado's federally qualified community health centers play a major role in the state's economy, according to new analysis. Health centers serving …

In April 2019, the FDA approved the first generic form of mifepristone, following a review of the evidence that medication abortion is a safe, effective way to end an early pregnancy, according to Planned Parenthood. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV Faces Lawsuit after Blocking Access to Medication Abortion

It's the latest chapter in West Virginia's attempt to outlaw abortion. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is attempting to throw out a …

The entrance of the EMW Surgical Center in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the only abortion center left in the Commonwealth before the state's trigger law went into effect last year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Groups Say They’ll Head Back to Court After KY Judges Uphold Abortion Ban

After Kentucky's Supreme Court last week denied a request to block abortion bans which went into effect last summer, the ACLU of Kentucky and Planned …

Katlyn Moss, pictured at the Clay County Recreation Center in Hayesville in November, had to travel more than an hour in the snow to give birth to her daughter in 2018. (Colby Rabon/Carolina Public Press)

Lack of Maternal Care Threatens Health of Western NC Mothers

By Shelby Harris and Sarah Melotte for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for North Carolina News Service Service for the Public New…

Peer-reviewed research on the use of misoprostol alone for abortion, published this month by the University of Texas at Austin, found it was 88% effective, with few serious adverse events or signs of complications. (ivanko80/AdobeStock)

TX Court Ruling with Nationwide Implications for Abortion Expected Soon

By Carrie Baker for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

According to CDC data, more than 37,500 abortions were performed in 2020 in Georgia, a rate of just over 17 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (Lomb/Adobe Stock)

Reproductive Freedom Act Takes Aim at Current GA Abortion Ban

Reproductive rights groups are supporting legislation to restore abortion access in Georgia. The Reproductive Freedom Act was filed to repeal House …

Even before the U.S .Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many abortions were being sought out of state. In 2020, 9% of abortions were obtained by people away from their state of residence. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Would Protect NY Abortion Providers

Proposed legislation in Albany would mean increased protections for women's healthcare providers. Brought forward by state Sen. Shelley Meyer - D-…

The green scarf is a symbol of the abortion-rights movements, created in Argentina in 2003 and popularized in the United States in 2022. (Clara/Adobe Stock)

TX Judge to Decide Abortion Pill Case with Nationwide Repercussions

Medication is now believed to be used in more than half of all abortions in the U.S., but a Texas judge could soon force one of two abortion pills …

According to Power To Decide, 14 states currently have no health clinics that provide abortion care, affecting an estimated 77 million people and 16 million women of reproductive age. (Adobe Stock)

Interactive Map Illustrates AZ Abortion Access

Some doctors and pro-choice advocates are urging people to pre-order so-called "abortion pills," citing a looming Texas court decision, which might …

According to Power To Decide's Abortion Finder map, centers began closing even before the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn 'Roe v. Wade' was officially released. (Adobe Stock)

States' Abortion Access Compiled on Interactive Map

Some doctors and pro-choice advocates are urging people to pre-order so-called "abortion pills," citing a looming Texas court decision which might ult…

While mortality rates for pregnant women have decreased globally, they continue to rise in the United States, with Black women three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women. (Inez/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Women’s Rights a Canary in Coal Mine for Democracy

By Jennifer Weiss-Wolf for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

In Georgia, the birth rate in 2023 is just over 12 births per 1,000 people, a 2.25% decline from 2022. (Pololia/Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Improve Maternal, Infant Death Rates in GA

Preventing maternal and infant mortality in Georgia is a top priority for health care providers in the state. Georgia already has the nation's …

Clinics providing abortions in Minnesota have reported a surge in patients since neighboring states were given the legal path to enact bans. It has fueled broader concerns about access to the procedure, as well as reproductive care. (Adobe Stock)

New Law Could Add Clarity to Reproductive Care in Rural MN

Reproductive rights advocates are cheering Minnesota's new law centering around abortion access. Supporters predict it could help in other ways for …

Callers to the newly launched Abortion Legal Hotline at 833-309-6301 can leave specific call-back or messaging instructions and someone will call or message that person back within two to three business days to gather information about the caller's legal questions. (Adobe Stock)

MA Launches Free Legal Advice Hotline Regarding Abortion Care

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has announced the launch of a new hotline for abortion-care providers and people seeking confidential lega…

Although the Food and Drug Administration removed the in-person requirement for patients to get abortion pills, they must only be prescribed by health-care providers who are certified to treat such patients, and patients must complete a consent form. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Would Expand NY Medication Abortion Access

New York pharmacists would be able to dispense abortion medication under newly proposed legislation, and a person could get the prescription from a …

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