The full US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Thursday refused to reconsider a panel decision blocking enforcement of a Mississippi law that threatened to close the last remaining abortion clinic in the state.
Maternal Death Rate in West Africa Expected to Rise Due to Ebola
One in seven women could die during childbirth in the West African countries most impacted by the Ebola crisis.
Over 50 Women Hospitalized and 12 Dead in India After Botched Mass Sterilization at Government-Run Camp
Although four health officials, including one man who received an award last year for having performed 50,000 sterilization procedures, have been suspended, the Indian government denies claims of negligence.
Doctors Warn That Measure 1 Would End In Vitro Fertilization in North Dakota
Doctors at North Dakota’s only clinic offering in vitro fertilization are speaking out to warn voters that Measure 1, a proposed personhood amendment in the state, would make the practice illegal.
Study Finds Abortion Restrictions Adversely Impact Women’s Health Outcomes
The groups say lawmakers’ insistence that anti-abortion legislation is intended to protect women’s health is fundamentally flawed rhetoric.
Experts Recommend IUDs and Contraceptive Implants for Sexually Active Teenagers
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested sexually active teenagers use contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices over other forms of birth control.
States Refusing to Expand Medicaid Face Increased Costs and Larger Uninsured Populations
According to new data, seven of the 11 major metropolitan areas with rates of uninsured people higher than the national average are in states that have rejected Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
New Legislation Would Improve Access to Emergency Contraception for Survivors of Sexual Assault
The Emergency Contraception Access and Education Act of 2014 would require hospitals that receive federal funding – including Catholic hospitals – to tell sexual assault survivors that emergency contraception is available to them and to provide it regardless of their ability to pay.
CVS Will Refund 11,000 Customers Illegally Charged for Birth Control
Congresswoman Jackie Speier alerted the chain that they were acting in violation of the Affordable Care Act earlier this month. Now, CVS has promised to issue refunds by October 1.
Under the Affordable Care Act, More Women Then Ever Have Free Access to Contraception
Two-thirds of American woman now have access to free birth control, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
UN Ambassador Says the World Needs a “Wake-Up Call” on Ebola Crisis
“This should be a wake-up call for the international community. It’s the worst Ebola epidemic we’ve seen in history.”
US Appeals Court Blocks Attempt to Defund Obamacare
The United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit has agreed to rehear a case that could protect much-needed subsidies for up to 5 million consumers under the Affordable Care Act.
Indiana Woman Charged With Feticide For Premature Delivery
Purvi Patel sought help at an emergency room. After investigation, police charged Patel with feticide, punishable with up to 20 years in prison, as well as neglect of a dependent.
More Investment in Women’s Health Needed as Africa’s Population Rises
Africa’s population could reach four billion by 2100. As the population grows, more investment in maternal health and family planning resources will be needed to ensure women’s health.
Reproductive Justice Activists Testify Before UN About Health Care Discrimination
A joint study by three major women’s health advocacy groups calls attention to the overwhelming disparity in health outcomes for women of color in the United States. The results of the study are now under the consideration of the United Nations.
Ugandan President Signs Law Making HIV Transmission Illegal
Provisions of the law include possible imprisonment of HIV-positive individuals, a ten-year prison sentence and fine for the “intentional transmission of HIV,” a five-year prison sentence for “attempted transmission of HIV,” and compulsory testing in some situations.
In Liberia, The Ebola Outbreak is Also a Maternal Health Issue
Although the death toll from the virus itself is astounding, many people – including pregnant mothers – are also dying as hospitals and clinics shut their doors.
Low-Income Transgender Residents in Oregon to Gain Access to Government-Funded Care
As of 2015, low-income transgender residents of Oregon will have access to gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy if they want it.
Affordable Contraception Program in Colorado’s Impact is Overwhelmingly Positive
When Colorado made IUDs and contraceptive implants more affordable, teen pregnancy, abortion, and public health costs all decreased.
Close to Two-Thirds of Cameroonian Women Have Unmet Need for Contraception
Around 6,000 Cameroonian women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and 30 percent of those women did not want to become pregnant in the first place.