Reproductive Health / Public News Service

The city of Ann Arbor recently implemented a policy to provide free menstrual products in public restrooms. (photoguns/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Groups: Removing Tax on Menstrual Products a Step Toward More Accessibility

LANSING, Mich. -- One in five teens in the U.S. struggle to afford period products, and Michigan organizations are working to make pads, tampons…

Children are most likely to see gaps in health coverage if they live in the South, according to a new brief from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families. (Adobe stock)

Advocates Laud Virginia-Style Maternal Health Care in Biden Plan

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia has led the nation in expanding health care for pregnant women and children, and now health advocates there are urging the …

According to Planned Parenthood, currently, one in three women of reproductive age lives in a state where abortion could be illegal if the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision is overturned. (Wikimedia Commons/Larissa Puro)

SCOTUS Rulings Could Further Restrict KY Abortion Access

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling related to the Texas six-week abortion ban this week, and hears arguments Dec…

A national study says in South Dakota, the average distance to travel for abortion care is 92 miles. (Adobe Stock)

SD Braces for SCOTUS Activity on Abortions

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- States like South Dakota are being closely watched as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up abortion cases elsewhere in the country…

In Ohio, 33 Republican legislators are cosponsoring a bill that would allow private citizens to sue abortion providers. (Fibonnaci Blue/Flickr)

Newly Introduced Ohio Bill Mirrors Texas' Abortion Ban

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio again is jumping into the national debate over abortion access, with a new bill introduced that mirrors Texas' strict abortion …

There are 20 crisis pregnancy centers in Montana, compared with six abortion-care clinics. (Lorie Shaull/Flickr)

Centers "Deceive" on Reproductive Health, Study Finds

HELENA, Mont. -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities …

A report suggests Idaho lawmakers should commit to ensuring public schools provide age-appropriate sexual-health education. (STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Crisis-Pregnancy Centers Greatly Outnumber Abortion Clinics in ID

BOISE, Idaho -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities …

None of Washington state's 55 crisis-pregnancy centers provide contraception, according to a new report. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Crisis-Pregnancy Centers Giving Off "False Impression"

SEATTLE -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities have …

Pregnancy tests were the most common services crisis pregnancy centers provided, according to a new report. (puhhha/Adobe Stock)

Report: Crisis-Pregnancy Centers "Mislead" Folks

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A new report investigates facilities that dissuade women from getting abortions. Known as crisis-pregnancy centers, the facilities …

In 2017, 29,500 abortions were provided in North Carolina, although not all abortions that occurred in the state were provided to state residents, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments in Texas Abortion Ban

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Supreme Court said it will hear oral arguments next Monday related to a controversial Texas abortion law. For now, the state's …

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, a 1931 Michigan law banning abortion could go back into effect. (Adobe Stock)

Groups: Reproductive-Health Disparities Would Worsen Without Roe

LANSING, Mich. -- Advocates for reproductive care in Michigan are echoing the Department of Justice's call for the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the …

In 2017, 99% of Kentucky counties lacked a clinic that would perform an abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on KY Abortion Law

FRANKFORT, Ky. - U.S. Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments Tuesday in a case involving a 2018 Kentucky abortion law that bans a medical …

Pro-choice groups are encouraging Iowans to educate themselves about reproductive rights before they possibly consider a constitutional amendment in the coming years pushed by pro-life lawmakers. (Adobe Stock)

Under Texas' Shadow, Iowa Still Debating Reproductive Rights

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa is not among the states that have so-called "trigger laws" that could be enacted if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn …

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Dec. 1 in a Mississippi case that could overturn the decades-old abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade. (guttmacher.org)<br /> — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Dec. 1 in a Mississippi case that could overturn the decades-old abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade. (guttmacher.org)

Texas Health-Care Providers Face Abortion-Law Whiplash

HOUSTON - Two court rulings in one week over the controversial Texas abortion law have providers questioning how to proceed. Last Tuesday, a federal …

Abortion providers in Ohio could face criminal charges for not reporting a child who lives after a failed abortion attempt. (AdobeStock)

Botched-Abortion Bill Gets Third Hearing in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With the national debate over reproductive rights approaching a boiling point, an abortion-related bill had its third hearing in …

One of roughly 600 rallies for abortion access took place last weekend in St. Louis. (Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region)

Report: Millions to Lose Abortion Access If Roe v. Wade Overturned

ST. LOUIS -- As the new U.S. Supreme Court session gears up, a new report found more than 36 million women in 26 states, including Missouri, could …

Illinois codified the right to abortion in June 2019. (gistavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

IL Reproductive-Rights Groups Protest Abortion Bans Before SCOTUS Session

CHICAGO -- Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Illinois and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the new Texas law banning …

In Maine, protests against the Texas abortion ban occurred in Portland, Waterville, Belgrade and more. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Protesters Support Roe v. Wade in Portland, Central Maine

PORTLAND, Maine -- Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Maine and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the Texas ban on abortions …

Putting forward laws that limit reproductive health access puts business environments at unnecessary risk and limits women's economic potential, a new report finds. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Putting forward laws that limit reproductive health access puts business environments at unnecessary risk and limits women's economic potential, a new report finds. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Limiting Abortion Access Costs Nation Billions

RICHMOND, Va. -- Curbing access to reproductive health-care services, including abortion, can have disastrous effects on economic well-being…

A new report spotlights the economic impacts of limiting a woman's right to safe and legal abortion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Restricting Abortion Access Brings Big Financial Trouble

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Limiting women's access to abortion and other reproductive health care can have a devastating impact on state economies. According …

Financial assistance is available for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington's new at-home medication abortion services. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Financial assistance is available for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington's new at-home medication abortion services. (Adobe Stock)

Eyeing Trend, MD Provider Offers Abortion Drugs by Mail

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- As the Biden administration challenges a Texas law restricting abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, Planned Parenthood for …

In 2018, there were an estimated 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (TheHilaryClark/Pixabay)

PFAS: A Plague for Humans, Especially Firefighters

DALLAS -- Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly mobilizing behind efforts to crack down on so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated a…

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of severe maternal illness, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (Adobe Stock)

Pregnant? Medical Experts Urge Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- Health professionals are concerned misinformation may be leading some people who are pregnant to choose not to get the COVID-…

Demonstrators rallied at California's State Capitol in June to expand health coverage for income-eligible undocumented seniors. (Yvonne Vasquez/Health4All)

Final CA Budget Opens Medi-Cal to Undocumented, Low-Income Seniors

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California State Assembly is set to approve a budget bill tomorrow to make California the first state in the nation to …

Dr. Nick Perencevich was among those at the State House this week who were speaking out against the 24-week abortion ban in the state budget. (Granite State Progress)

Groups Urge Sununu to Rethink Budget's 24-Week Abortion Ban

CONCORD, N.H. -- Reproductive-health advocates are calling on Gov. Chris Sununu to meet with them about the ban on abortions after 24 weeks, which is …

The New Hampshire measure that bans abortion after 24 weeks is among hundreds of state laws restricting access to abortions that has been pushed through Legislatures this year. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Reproductive-Health Advocates Push Back Against Abortion Ban

CONCORD, N.H. - Lawmakers in Congress are reintroducing the Women's Health Protection Act, which would protect against abortion bans and other …

Polling by Hart Research Associates shows 85% of voters support federal law ensuring the right to reproductive health care, including abortion, annual screenings and birth control. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Case Prompts Re-introduction of Abortion Access Bill

MADISON, Wis. - Lawmakers in Congress have reintroduced a bill they say would ensure access to safe abortions across the country. The move comes as …

Polling by the Hart Research Associates shows 85% of voters support federal law ensuring the right to reproductive health care, including abortion, annual screenings and birth control. (Adobe Stock)

Proposal Would Guarantee Access to Abortion Across U.S.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Lawmakers in Congress have reintroduced a bill they say would ensure access to safe abortions across the country, just as …

More than 90% of Democrats, more than 70% of Independents and nearly 45% of Republicans believe the constitutional right to an abortion should be protected, according to recent polling. (Mark Schierbecker/Wikimedia Commons)

Bill Would Curb Medically Unnecessary Restrictions on Abortion

ST. LOUIS - Lawmakers in Congress are reintroducing the Women's Health Protection Act, which would ensure a pregnant person's right to access - and a …

Between 2011 and 2019, states across the nation enacted 483 new abortion restrictions, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

State Restrictions Increasing Demand for Abortion Medication

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas enacted twenty restrictions on abortion during this year's legislative session, more than any other state, and a recent …

In April, the Florida House passed a bill to ban abortions based on disability, but the measure didn't move past committee. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Lifting Abortion Restrictions Would Benefit Women, Economy

TAMPA, Fla. - Ending reproductive-health restrictions is beneficial for women and the economy, according to an online tool from the Institute for …

In addition to voter-suppression laws and anti-LGBTQ measures, laws to restrict women's reproductive health have being introduced in unprecedented numbers in 2021. (womenshealth.gov)

Study: Reproductive Restrictions Damage Working Women, State Economies

AUSTIN, Texas - Access to birth control has been responsible for one third of women's wage gains since the 1960s, and restrictions on reproductive …

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to a Mississippi law banning abortions after only 15 weeks. (David/Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights Economic Impact of Reproductive Rights

NEW YORK -- An online tool from the Institute for Women's Policy Research makes the case that ending reproductive health restrictions is good for wome…

Studies say increased access to midwifery can improve maternal and infant health outcomes. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

IL Groups Back Licensing for Certified Professional Midwives

CHICAGO - Illinois is one of 16 states that doesn't offer a pathway to licensure for certified professional midwives. On this International Midwives' …

Arkansas has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, and one of the country's highest unintended pregnancy rates among women of all ages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Biden Admin to Reverse Birth-Control Access Restrictions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Biden administration has taken the first steps in the regulatory process to eliminate the domestic gag rule, which forced …

Ohio offers free implicit bias training for healthcare workers to address racial disparities in maternal health. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Ohio offers free implicit bias training for healthcare workers to address racial disparities in maternal health. (Adobe Stock)

Improving Health Outcomes for Ohio's Black Moms, Babies

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Some Ohio healthcare advocates say policies are needed to improve health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies. According to …

Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than are white women, according to the CDC. (Adobe stock)

Pregnancy-Related Deaths Higher Among Black KY Women

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Racial gaps persist in pregnancy- and childbirth-related deaths across the state, and advocates say solutions to the problem lie …

The American Rescue Plan ensures West Virginians have the option to buy health care for less than 8.5% of their income. (Adobe stock)

WV Bill, American Rescue Plan Bolster Medicaid for Mountaineers

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - April is Medicaid Awareness Month, and West Virginia health-care groups are hailing how the American Rescue Plan and a new state …

Nationwide, roughly 60% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. In Missouri, it's closer to 80%. (Adobe Stock)

Increased Access to Quality Health Care Could Reduce Black Maternal Mortality

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Black women in Missouri are four times as likely to die during childbirth than white women, and during Black Maternal Health Week…

Culturally competent care can help improve health outcomes for Black mothers. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Black Maternal Health Week Underscores Racial Health Disparities

SEATTLE, Wash -- This week is Black Maternal Health Week and medical professionals are highlighting disparities in health outcomes. Black women are …

This year lawmakers in Arkansas and 15 other states have introduced legislation intended to cut off access to abortion early in pregnancy. (Adobe Stock)

AR’s Near-Total Abortion Ban Could Worsen Women’s Access to Health Care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Women have faced greater barriers to accessing health-care services during the pandemic, especially Black and Brown women and …

Montana and other state legislatures have introduced a record number of bills restricting rights for trans people. (Tracy/Flickr)

MT Lawmakers Focus on Restricting Trans, Reproductive Rights

HELENA, Mont. -- Conservative social issues are a top priority in Montana's legislative session this year, but opponents are pushing back. A slate …

Extending maternal Medicaid to 12 months gives access to critical care such as screenings for postpartum depression. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

PA Urged to Extend Medicaid for New Mothers

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Child and maternal health advocates urged Pennsylvania to take advantage of an opportunity to extend coverage for new mothers on …

Women's pro-choice advocates worry the current conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court will be open to overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. (Lorie Shaull/Flickr)<br /> — Women's pro-choice advocates worry the current conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court will be open to overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. (Lorie Shaull/Flickr)

Battle Brews Over Ohio's "Abortion-Ban Trigger" Bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A consequential debate over the future of reproductive rights could soon be coming to the Ohio Statehouse. Senate Bill 123 is the …

Nebraska Legislative Bill 416 calls for more robust data collection on maternal health outcomes based on race and ethnicity to better inform clinical practice, program and policy changes. (Cheryl Holt/Pixabay)

Nebraska Lawmakers Review Racial Disparities in Maternal Medical Care

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Racial-justice advocates will host a lunch and learn session for Nebraska lawmakers Wednesday to unpack striking disparities in …

Nearly six months after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing, women's groups gather this week to commemorate her birthday and celebrate her legacy. (Steve Petteway/Supreme Court of the United States)

On Justice Ginsburg's Birthday, CT Women Honor Her Legacy

Correction: Dori Dumas is a member of the Outraged Elders. An earlier version incorrectly stated she is the leader. (2:00 p.m. EST, March 15…

Black and Indigenous women die at rates three to four times the rate of Caucasian women due to pregnancy-related causes. (Wikimedia Commons)

Sen. Warren, Rep. Pressley Push Anti-Racism in Public Health

BOSTON -- Massachusetts members of Congress are among the sponsors renewing the push to pass the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act. It would expand …

Abortion-rights advocates are expected to face roadblocks during the 2021 legislative session with several bills that would place more restrictions on abortions. (Pexel)

Reproductive-Rights Advocates Oppose 20-Week Abortion Ban

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- One of several controversial anti-abortion bills in the Florida Legislature this year would ban abortions at 20 weeks. As …

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