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Distance affects use of telehealth to access abortion pills

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that patients living far from abortion facilities rely more on telehealth and mail for birth-control medications, citing socioeconomic factors as a key factor. The researchers also found that 20% of U.S. abortions now occur through telehealth services.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2025

Abortion and women’s future socioeconomic attainment

A new study finds that access to safe, legal abortion is associated with higher college graduation rates, better financial stability, and lower poverty levels among women. Women who had an abortion were more likely to experience economic mobility compared to those who became teen parents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2024

Very early medication abortion is effective and safe

A large international study found that very early medication abortion is equally effective and safe as waiting for intrauterine pregnancy confirmation. The study included over 1,500 women who received two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol – in either a delayed or early abortion group.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2024

University of Maryland-YouGov poll: Alsobrooks dominates Hogan, amendment to state constitution garners broad support

A recent Maryland poll found Angela Alsobrooks (D) leading Larry Hogan (R) in the U.S. Senate race and a strong majority supporting an amendment to guarantee reproductive freedom. The poll also shows Kamala Harris (D) holding a significant lead over Donald Trump (R), with abortion services ranking as a top issue for voters.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·TypeSurvey·DateNov 1, 2024

BU commentary: Project 2025 could become a ‘political reality that would upend medical practice’

A new JAMA commentary by Boston University School of Public Health researchers warns that Project 2025's conservative blueprint would undermine healthcare and public health. The playbook's proposals, led by The Heritage Foundation, include deregulating healthcare, weakening the ACA, and allowing discrimination within healthcare settings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 26, 2024

Study reveals increased risks of premature mortality associated with both spontaneous and induced abortions

A new study published in Health Data Science reveals that both spontaneous and induced abortions are associated with an increased risk of premature mortality. The research found that induced abortions were strongly linked to cardiovascular death, while spontaneous abortions also elevated the risk of all-cause premature mortality.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·DateSep 11, 2024

Sterilization rates among women rose after supreme court abortion ruling

Surgical sterilization rates increased significantly among women in the US following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Supreme Court decision, with a notable rise in states where abortion access was limited or banned. Researchers found that tubal sterilization remained an irreversible method of contraception despite changing state laws.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Most abortion restrictive US states provide the least support for pregnant women

A recent study found that US states with severe abortion restrictions lack comprehensive public infrastructure to support access to reproductive health care and family social services. These states also have limited access to Medicaid insurance and higher rates of uninsured women, exacerbating the lack of medical and social support for...

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

Strictest abortion-ban states offer least family support

A Northwestern University study reveals that states with severe post-Dobbs abortion restrictions also lack policies to support families, particularly those of low socioeconomic status and marginalized individuals. The authors argue that advocates should leverage child protection arguments to advocate for improved family welfare policies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 4, 2024

The Lancet: Managing early stages of abortion care at home after 12 weeks of pregnancy is safe and reduces time spent in hospital, study finds

A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2024

States with the most restrictive abortion policies saw the biggest declines in use of birth control and emergency contraceptives after Dobbs decision

A new USC study found that states with the most restrictive abortion policies experienced significant declines in the use of birth control pills and emergency contraceptives. The analysis suggests that the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case has had wider ramifications for women's reproductive health than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Analysis suggests 2021 Texas abortion ban resulted in increase in infant deaths in state in year after law went into effect

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that infant deaths in Texas increased by 255 deaths between 2021 and 2022, a 12.9% increase compared to the US average. The analysis suggests that the state's 2021 abortion ban may have led to an increase in infant deaths due to congenital anomalies.

First national study of Dobbs ruling’s effect on permanent contraception among young adults

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, permanent sterilization procedures among young adults increased nationwide, with tubal sterilizations rising twice as high as vasectomies. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on young women, who ar...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Miscarriages linked to health risks in later pregnancies

Researchers found a link between miscarriage and increased risks of developing gestational diabetes (44% higher) and pre-eclampsia (37% higher), but not with abortion. The study analyzed over 4 million pregnancies and suggests new ways to mitigate risks or prevent these conditions from progressing.

SourceCurtin University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

‘Politicians in robes’: How a sharp right turn imperiled trust in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court's shift to the right has led to a significant erosion of public trust and legitimacy, with Democrats seeing the court as less legitimate and Republicans viewing it more positively. The court's dramatic change since the 2022 Dobbs ruling has polarized the public along partisan lines for the first time in decades.

Patients who obtained telemedicine medication abortions (TeleMAB) through primary care have positive feelings about their experience

The study found that patients had a positive experience obtaining TeleMAB through their primary care health system, citing ease of access, autonomy, and reduced anxiety. This normalizes abortion care within the context of comprehensive primary care, improving access for many people of reproductive age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024

Higher infant mortality rates associated with restrictive abortion laws

A new study found that states with restrictive abortion laws had a 16% increased infant mortality rate compared to those with more comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Demographic factors such as low education attainment and inadequate prenatal care also contributed to elevated IMR.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Trump-era policy on global aid curtailed family planning services in Africa

A new study found that the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy reduced provision and use of contraceptives, as well as community health volunteer services, in African countries. This policy, formerly known as the Mexico City Policy, had detrimental effects on family planning service delivery and utilization.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeSurvey·DateDec 6, 2023

Almost two-thirds of residents in US family medicine programs are training in states that have abortion restrictions

A study found that nearly one-third of US family medicine residents are training in states with abortion restrictions, highlighting the impact on reproductive health care. The analysis suggests that increased support for comprehensive reproductive health education is needed to mitigate this effect.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023