Women's Issues / Public News Service

The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, with more than 50,000 women experience life-threatening complications due to labor and delivery each year. (Adobe Stock)

Maternal death outcomes drop, except for Black women

Today marks the last day of Black Maternal Health Week, a nationally and internationally recognized observance that serves to build community …

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Missouri mom shares heart failure survival story

Black Maternal Health Week runs through April 17th, and according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of maternal …

LGBTQ+ youths are nearly four times more likely to be victimized, and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unwanted sexual advances online. (Adobe Stock)

Research: One in seven Utah children is a victim of sexual abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and new research at Utah State University finds one in seven Utah children experiences sexual abuse --…

The proliferation of Airbnbs, luxury condos and barriers to homeownership contribute to the homeless crisis in the Black community, said Chama St. Louis of the National Black Worker Center. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Black residents in IL 8 times more likely to be homeless

Black residents in Illinois are almost eight times more likely to be homeless than white people, with lack of livable wages and affordable housing …

In 2024 alone, Ohio's rape crisis centers responded to more than 40,000 helpline calls and educated 95,000 Ohioans about sexual violence prevention efforts. (Talyr Ucker-Lauderman of OAESV)

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

More than 100 people came to the Ohio Statehouse to mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month late last week. As part of the 13th …

The U.S. Constitution specifies Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the president. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

A number of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to President Donald Trump's executive order which could reshape how U.S. elections are run and the …

Residents of rural counties with a large share of tribal lands are more likely to rely on Medicaid for coverage for all age groups, including seniors, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Nailotl/Adobe Stock)

Federal budget cuts to Medicaid would significantly impact New Mexico

Nearly 800,000 people receiving Medicaid live in New Mexico, and a federal budget proposal could possibly cause major cuts to the program. Senate …

While students work toward their pilots licenses at the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences in Denton, they also gain knowledge in subjects like aviation law, weather and aerodynamics. It is the only such program in the nation geared toward women. (Craig/Adobe Stock)

Texas Woman's University trains next generation of airline pilots

Registration is open for the next information session for the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences at Texas Woman's University in Denton, where …

More than 57% of Black women of reproductive age live in states with abortion bans or impending bans, according to polling by In Our Own Voice. (Adobe Stock)

Reproductive justice takes more than passing laws in Ohio, U.S.

By Jade Prévost-Manuel for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News …

Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

For 2025, 14 women's wildland firefighter boot camps were scheduled, including 12 with the U.S. Forest Service and one each with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. All have been canceled. (Adobe Stock)

Boot camps to fill wildland firefighter workforce shortage cut due to DEI

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

Common barriers to hiring and retaining federal wildland firefighters include low pay, mental health challenges and limited workforce diversity, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. (BLM Oregon and Washington/Wikimedia Commons)

Women’s wildland firefighting boot camps axed by new DEI policies

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

According to the Doula Advisory Group, as of February, 87 of Ohio's 88 counties had no doulas certified under the state's new program. (Adobe Stock)

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

Tensions are rising in Ohio between doulas and the state Board of Nursing, as only a small number of doulas have been able to be certified for …

Marissa Carpio with the Wyoming-based Equality State Policy Center estimated one of every 10 bills in Wyoming's 2025 legislative session were related to elections. (Adobe Stock)

Governor, critics call out 'boilerplate' bills from WY 2025 session

Gov. Mark Gordon has just a few days left to make final decisions on bills passed during the Wyoming legislative session. Both fair election …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

There were more than 5,700 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls reported in 2016 in the U.S. Fewer than 200 were logged in the Department of Justice database. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Indigenous people have made great contributions to the state of Wisconsin yet the alarming rates of violence against them remains a public health cris…

California is home to 1.1 million Black women, the fifth largest population in the country. (peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Almost 60% of CA Black women report discrimination at work

New research finds Black working women still face rampant discrimination in the Golden State. The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment …

A governor's office spokesperson said the Indiana Department of Health will push back on birth certificate changes after this week's executive order. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

Executive orders have been issued by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun that restrict state funds from promoting gender identity and ban transgender women from …

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

The longest commute in the nation is located in Mohave County, Arizona, where the citizens of Colorado City-a town of 2,500 people-would need to drive eight hours round trip to reach their designated election office in Kingman, Arizona, according to the Center for American Progress. (Austin Broadbent /Adobe Stock)

GOP backed citizenship voting bill could present challenges to AZ voters

Congress could soon vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act. Lawmakers say it's designed to keep undocumented immigrants from …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

More than 69 million American women do not have a birth certificate with their married name, which would be needed to vote under the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, according to the nonprofit Stand Up America. (Bill Perry/Adobe Stock)

The 'SAVE' Act could mean barriers for UT voters

Congress will vote soon on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act and voting rights advocates said it could keep some Utahns from casting their …

According to a new national report, businesses are responding to a patchwork of abortion bans across the country, with some offering relocation assistance and expanded benefits amid a backlash against tighter restrictions. (Adobe Stock)

New findings: State workforces suffer when abortion restrictions tighten

The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn federal abortion protections continues to be felt. New research now suggests states where bans have …

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require all Americans to provide proof of citizenship in person when registering to vote or updating their voter information, creating new hurdles for many eligible voters. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights advocates warn SAVE Act could block voters in GA, U.S.

The U.S. House is preparing to vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, a bill voting rights groups said would block millions from …

More than 21 million American citizens don't have the required documents that would be needed to vote under the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, according to the group Stand Up America. (Bill Perry/Adobe Stock)

Upcoming House vote on 'SAVE' Act has NV voting rights advocates concerned

The House of Representatives will vote soon on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act but voting rights advocates said it could keep some Nevada…

Latinos in NM, nation urged to boycott national retailers over DEI curbs

In a nationwide movement, Latinos are being urged to boycott retail stores tomorrow that have curtailed programs promoting fair hiring practices…

According to The Center for American Progress, about 146 million American citizens do not possess a valid passport. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

SAVE Act would make it harder for Tennesseans to vote, critics say

Congress is preparing to pass a bill, which would make it harder for millions of Tennesseans to register and to vote. The Safeguard American Voter …

A total of 195,972 Arkansas households are impoverished and another 366,907 are defined as ALICE. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

An estimated 60% of Virginians have a valid passport. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Bill would disenfranchise VA rural voters, married women

House Republicans have reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility or SAVE Act. Backers say it's meant to ensure only citizens register …

Nationwide, about 146 million American citizens do not have passports. About 153 million Americans cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

AZ mandate shows affect SAVE Act could have on voters

Legislation now in Congress could further complicate how Arizonans cast their ballots. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require a …

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

According to the Ohio Attorney General's office, there are 119 people on death row in the state. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU Ohio calls for standalone death penalty legislation

The ACLU of Ohio is calling for a repeal of the state's current death penalty laws, but some conservative state lawmakers have another idea. House …

Columbus police reported more than 800 felony domestic-violence incidents in the city last year. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's domestic-violence advocates struggle amid DeWine's proposed budget

Gov. Mike DeWine's recently released biennial budget keeps funding for domestic violence services at $20 million, maintaining the same level as the …

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, rulemaking on abortion is now in the hands of the states and could land in their supreme courts. (Adobe Stock)

Montana voters backed abortion rights but state judges have final say

By Bram Sable-Smith and Katheryn Houghton for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Healt…

Telehealth allows patients to receive medical care, including prescriptions and consultations, remotely through digital communication such as video calls and online portals. (nenetus/Adobe Stock)

How 'shield laws' apply to telehealth abortion providers

By Rebekah Sager for the Michigan Independent.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Michigan Independent-…

Nearly two-thirds of adults in a recent study noted behavioral changes during the winter months. (Adobe Stock)

How Virginians can combat wintertime blues

Some people may feel more fatigued during the winter months, when the days are short and sunlight is in short supply - and that's common. People …

Light therapy can be especially effective for treating seasonal affective disorder, particularly when used in the morning. One study found 61% of patients experienced symptom remission after consistent use. (Adobe Stock)

Winter blues hit Wisconsin along with snow, cold temps

Cold, gray days can seem endless this time of year in Wisconsin and if you are feeling down, you are not alone. Nationwide, up to 6% of the …

Nebraska proposal would fund housing for domestic abuse survivors

The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would provide nearly $1 million to help survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking pay for em…

Supporters say the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, now in the Arkansas Legislature, would improve pregnancy outcomes by empowering community health workers and ensuring Medicaid coverage for expectant mothers. (yavdat/Adobe Stock)

Bill to improve maternal care for AR families

A new bill before Arkansas lawmakers is designed to improve maternal care for low-income families. If passed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act …

According to the site datausa.io, about 60% of theatre workers are white, nearly 13% are Black, 5% are Asian, and less than 1% are Indigenous. (Photo courtesy University of Michigan)

MI university professors address diversity gaps with online makeup tutorials

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabor…

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

Alabama Senate Bill 76 would also protect individuals from having to leave someone under their care if finding a suitable replacement is impossible during jury service. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama lawmakers advance bill to exempt nursing mothers from jury duty

An Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bill that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty. The proposal comes after an …

In 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Act 55, funding free menstrual products for students. Schools can use the funds for purchases made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. (Adobe Stock)

PA advocate: Defunding Planned Parenthood threatens affordable health care

By Rebekah Sager for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvani…

In 2020, Alabama had the third-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, at 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. (Adobe Stock)

New health toolkit aims to bridge AL’s care gap for expecting mothers

Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country and access to care remains a serious issue, especially in rural areas. Now…

Almost 100,000 U.S. citizen children in the Silver State live with at least one undocumented family member, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

NV's Latino legislative caucus prioritizes well-being of immigrants

As the Trump administration ramps up arrests of undocumented immigrants, some in Nevada are choosing to skip work or keep their children home from …

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