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ED nurses report radio silence when it comes to guidance for care of pregnant patients in states with abortion bans

Nurses in states with abortion bans face communication gaps and moral distress when providing care to pregnant patients. They resort to 'work-arounds' like reading the room for allies or using online resources to find legal reproductive health care, highlighting the need for better guidance and support.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJONA The Journal of Nursing Administration·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2025

Association for Molecular Pathology celebrates U.S. District Court’s decision to vacate FDA rule on laboratory-developed test procedure regulation

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has won a court ruling that vacates the FDA's rule on laboratory-developed test procedure regulation. This decision will avoid adding billions of dollars in healthcare costs and protect access to high-quality care for hundreds of millions of Americans.

Reduced sodium legislation saves lives

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2025

Discrepancies between national climate targets and citizens' willingness to contribute to climate action

A study by Prof. Dr. Heinz Welsch found that countries with higher per-capita income and emissions levels pursue more ambitious climate targets, but their populations are less willing to contribute to climate change mitigation. The study also found a correlation between the discrepancy and lower satisfaction with democracy.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalEcological Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2025

Post-Dobbs decision changes in obstetrics and gynecology clinical workforce in states with abortion restrictions

The Dobbs decision has been linked to moderate but significant decreases in obstetrics and gynecology practitioners in the most restrictive states compared to control states. Clinician migration is likely affecting reproductive care access, quality, and equity as abortion rights are increasingly decided at the state level

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 10, 2025

Computing leaders propose measures to combat tech-facilitated intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation

The Association for Computing Machinery's Technology Policy Council issues brief calls on policymakers and tech companies to address tech abuse in intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The report highlights disturbing statistics and recommends expanding laws and regulations to protect users.

U.S. abortion bans and fertility

A new study suggests that US abortion bans are associated with increased fertility rates, particularly among subpopulations experiencing structural disadvantages. The findings also highlight the negative impact of these policies on maternal and child health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2025

Utah law allowing minors to revoke medical consent is ‘attacking the foundation of the US healthcare system’

A new law in Utah allows minors to revoke their informed consent for gender-affirming care, casting a cloud over the trusted process between doctors and patients. This legislation puts clinicians at risk of litigation and may limit access to necessary medical treatments.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 4, 2025

How did health insurance coverage changes affect older adults? Two new studies take a look

Two new studies found that those who turned 65 after the ACA took effect had lower out-of-pocket health costs and fewer hospitalizations. However, dual-eligible individuals over 65 saw negative impacts from Medicaid 'unwinding,' with 12% losing coverage and many going without needed care due to cost.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2025

A ‘smoke-free generation’ in Canada? New analysis says it would result in vast health gains, healthcare cost savings

A new analysis suggests that implementing a lifetime ban on tobacco products for individuals born after 2009 would result in vast health benefits and healthcare cost savings. The study estimates $2.3 billion less in healthcare costs and 476,814 more quality-adjusted life years for Canadians over a 50-year timespan.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2025

How one state’s repeal of a prison ‘pay-to-stay’ law could guide national reform

A new study by USC Dornsife researchers reveals how Illinois' repeal of the 'pay-to-stay' law, charging inmates for room and board, can inform national reform efforts. The study found that lawmakers used a pragmatic approach to reform, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision making in advancing criminal justice reform.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalTheoretical Criminology·TypeCase study·DateDec 18, 2024

Salmon frequently mislabeled in Seattle grocery stores and sushi restaurants

A recent study by Tracie Delgado and colleagues found that 18% of salmon samples from Seattle grocery stores and sushi restaurants were mislabeled. The researchers called for continued development and enforcement of legislation against salmon fraud to prevent accurate tracking of supply chains and conserve wild salmon.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

People’s exposure to toxic chemicals declined in the U.S. following listing under California law

A study found that levels of toxic chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide following the listing of over 850 chemicals under Proposition 65. This decline suggests that the law has led to widespread reformulation of products, reducing exposure to harmful substances.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Public and community engagement key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision making in China, study says

A new study by the University of Exeter found that public participation is key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision-making in China. The research suggests that smaller local projects tend to have higher levels of public engagement, while larger initiatives often experience minimal involvement.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature-Based Solutions·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Age assurance online needs to be child rights respecting, new study says

A new study calls for a 'child rights' approach to age assurance online, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation, consultation with children, and protection of their privacy and civil rights. The research identifies serious concerns related to age assurance methods, including inadequate protections against online harm and exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International Journal of Children s Rights·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Social media and suicide risk in youth

Research highlights social media's impact on youth mental health, including associations between excessive social media use and suicidal thoughts. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address this growing concern among young people.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2024

US politicians support climate action when linked to certain other issues

A study published in PLOS Climate found that climate legislation tends to receive more votes when linked with air pollution or environmental justice initiatives, but less support when associated with water pollution or transportation. The research suggests issue linkage affects political support for climate action, with Democrats consi...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2024

Surge in discriminatory state laws threatens the health of multiple marginalized groups

A new analysis by Boston University School of Public Health found that between 2020-2024, 30 states enacted laws targeting Black people, LGBTQ+ individuals, transgender people, and birthing people. The study suggests that these discriminatory laws work in tandem to curtail legal protections for marginalized populations, leading to nega...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Nearly 200 potential mammary carcinogens found in food contact materials: new study highlights regulatory shortcomings

Researchers have identified nearly 200 potential breast carcinogens in food contact materials, including plastics and paper, highlighting widespread exposure despite existing regulation. The findings emphasize the need for stronger preventative measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products.

SourceFood Packaging Forum Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Toxicology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2024

Study reveals shifting landscape of UN human rights discourse

A new study reveals a significant evolution in the UN's approach to human rights, with growing emphasis on disability and business-related rights. The research highlights the importance of corporate responsibility and suggests a move toward a more comprehensive understanding of human rights that encompasses economic and social rights.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHuman Rights Law Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

New law regulating out-of-pocket drug spending saves cancer patients more than $7,000 a year, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that the Inflation Reduction Act's limit on Medicare Part D spending leads to significant savings for cancer patients prescribed oral chemotherapy. The average annual cost for these medications decreased from $11,284 in 2023 to $3,927 in 2024, resulting in median cost savings of $7,260.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024