Stateline

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Black maternal health advocates, researchers press on amid federal funding cuts

The Trump administration has cut grants for maternal health studies and research on health disparities, including for patients of color and LGBTQ people. It has laid off key staff and removed maternal health data from federal agency websites.

Apr 22

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UNSPLASH

For people with higher body weights, abortions can be more costly or out of reach

For the past decade, the body mass index formula has been used to deny or delay abortion care, despite researchers finding little evidence of increased adverse outcomes based on higher body weight alone.

Apr 3

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LUND REPORT ILLUSTRATION/SHUTTERSTOCK/PIXABAY

States try to rein in health insurers’ claim denials, with mixed results

As more patients and doctors voice their frustrations, states are responding.

Mar 26

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Three influenza A (H5N1/bird flu) virus particles. The image incorporates two CDC transmission electron micrographs that have been inverted, repositioned and colorized by NIAID. | COURTESY/CDC AND NIAID VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

As bird flu spreads, feds might undercut states by firing scientists, removing data

The avian influenza virus has killed millions of wild birds and led to emergency culling of commercial flocks

Feb 27

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SHUTTERSTOCK

‘A scarlet letter’: States aim to end stigma of doctors seeking mental health care

Doctors can be deterred from seeking care for fear of losing their credentials

Feb 13

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Race and place can contribute to shorter lives, research suggests

The findings come as the Trump administration attacks equity programs.

Jan 30

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Ozempic insulin injection pen. | NATALIA VARLEI/SHUTTERSTOCK

States consider high costs, possible savings of covering weight-loss drugs for their workers

Covering weight-loss drugs could result in lower spending on chronic diseases associated with obesity.

Jan 23

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Woman in premature labor with fetal monitor. | ALEXANDER GREY/UNSPLASH

Maternal death reviews get political as state officials intrude

Following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that dismantled the federal right to abortion and opened the door for state bans, leaders in some states are limiting or halting the work of committees that investigate deaths that occur during and after pregnancy.

Jan 16

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Processed foods at a grocery store. | COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Junk food and drug use cut into life expectancy gains for states

State policies on gun safety, pregnancy care, health screenings matter, too.

Jan 14

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Washington pharmacists prescribe abortion pills through new pilot program

A recent study of 6,000 patients found nearly all of them experienced no serious complications from telehealth abortions, but a conversative group opposing them has gathered several examples of abortion pills given to pregnant women without their consent

Jan 9