$1.2 million in state funds...untracked

• An analysis of Medicaid patients' ability to get abortion care found even in states that don't ban the procedure, there are lots of extra reporting requirements and paperwork for doctors and patients. 
   
• A survey by Maven Clinic found anxiety is similar for people trying to conceive, whether they are trying things like IVF or working to get pregnant without treatment.
   
• Louisiana paid 12 anti-abortion pregnancy centers $1.2 million dollars last year. The state's auditor found that, contrary to the law, the state did not track how those funds were spent. 

Reviving Debunked Claims Linking Tylenol in Pregnancy to Autism

What: HHS Sec. Kennedy is reportedly planning to link Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, and this op-ed breaks down the many studies showing no such connection. Medical experts say acetaminophen is safe, and a 2023 court ruling rejected lawsuits alleging the drug causes autism because of insufficient scientific evidence.

Key Line: "My fear is that the next generation of autistic Americans will be incalculably worse off than previous generations. While in the past, many were searching around in the dark grasping for ideas and better understanding around autism, this time, the federal government will be blaring disinformation with the biggest megaphones, and instead of fighting for their kids, scores of parents will self-flagellate and kick themselves. And we will all be poorer for it."

Source: MSNBC
 

Mental Health Struggles Are Common When Trying to Conceive, With or Without IVF

What: A survey of nearly 3,500 Maven Clinic users found rates of depression, anxiety, and conception-related anxiety were similar, regardless of whether people were trying to conceive without any fertility treatments, those who were considering treatment, or people actually using treatment. Roughly one in five screened positive for conception-specific anxiety, and more than 30% in all groups wanted help with their emotional well-being.

Key Line: "Starting or growing a family should be an exciting and joyous time but it can also be fraught with stress, even when trying to conceive without fertility treatment. ...Primary care, including gynecology, and digital health platforms may be an effective mechanism by which screening and support are provided."

Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal

Wide Gaps and Barriers in Medicaid Abortion Coverage Across States

What: Researchers analyzed Medicaid abortion policies in all 50 states plus D.C., reviewing 94 public documents collected between May 2023 and February 2024. They (not shockingly) found a lot of variation among states, including some that only cover abortion in the limited cases allowed by federal law (life endangerment, rape, or incest), six that cover all abortions, and many that require extra reporting requirements or paperwork for both patients and doctors. 

Key Line: "The findings of this qualitative study of state Medicaid abortion policies suggest that there is substantial [variation] among states regarding the scope of Medicaid abortion coverage and that there are numerous obstacles for patients and physicians in accessing this coverage. This [variety] and burden may impose an additional layer of complexity to abortion access."

Source: JAMA Open Network

Louisiana Failed to Oversee Millions Sent to Anti-Abortion Centers

What: Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services did not track or regulate $1.2 million in taxpayer funds given to 12 anti-abortion pregnancy centers over the past year, despite a 2024 law requiring oversight. The findings came in a report from Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office, which also noted that the centers billed for services not allowed under state law, like unproven 'abortion pill reversal'.

Key Line: "The 2024 law that set up the Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative says that only counseling, mentoring, classes and material items such as cribs or diapers can be covered with state money. ...The auditor was unable to discern whether the state’s $1.2 million went toward covering these services or other items because state officials did not require the pregnancy centers to provide documentation about where the money was spent....In response to the audit, Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Rebecca Harris said she will implement more stringent reporting requirements for the centers and work to create state regulations by the end of the year."

Source: Louisiana Illuminator

Poll Shows Many Women Unaware Diet Can Ease Menopause Symptoms

What: A national survey of over 1,000 women in the United States found fewer than half knew that some research found links between diet and menopause hot flashes. One of those studies was a small, randomized trial from 2023 that found a low-fat vegan diet with daily soybeans cut moderate to severe hot flashes by 88% and led to an average 8-pound weight loss in 12 weeks.

Key Line: "“This Menopause Awareness Month—and all year long—I urge physicians and other clinicians to encourage their patients who are in any phase of menopause to try a plant-based diet to help fight hot flashes, reduce their weight if needed, and improve other health conditions,” said Vanita Rahman, MD, clinic director of the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, DC."

Source: Contemporary OBGYN