ABORTION ACCESS
Telehealth Brings Abortion to Banned States
What: The Economist has a deep dive on abortion data in the United States, including how abortions have increased since bans went into effect, thanks to telehealth consultations. They also look at the legal implications of "shield laws" that protect doctors writing prescriptions for women in ban states.
Key line: “'There’s no patient who’s come forward to say: ‘I was shipped the wrong pills… I’ve suffered these consequences’,' says Rachel Rebouché, a dean of Temple University law school, and one of the architects of shield laws. In a hunt for such harm, lawyers are reportedly looking for would-be fathers to bring a suit. So far the action against Dr Carpenter has simply succeeded in publicising the option, triggering an uptick in the use of abortion pills."
Source: The Economist
Massachusetts Tackling Fake Health Care at 'Crisis' Pregnancy Centers
What: Ms. Magazine looks at a class-action lawsuit in Massachusetts against a "crisis" pregnancy center that included unsterilized ultrasounds and misdiagnosis of ectopic pregnancies. The case prompted new state legislation requiring licensed medical professionals to complete ultrasounds.
Key Line: “'People seeking reproductive healthcare around the country are being steered—often unknowingly—into these unregulated pregnancy clinics where science takes a back seat to belief,' said [Jenifer McKenna, senior advisor at Reproductive Health and Freedom Watch]. 'When CPCs present the appearance of medical legitimacy without actual accountability, real harm follows.'”
Source: Ms. Magazine
CARDIOVASCULAR
Iowa Researchers Find Link Between Urinary Incontinence, Cardiovascular Disease
What: A University of Iowa study of over 20,000 female patients found a potential connection between urinary incontinence and a higher risk of heart disease in women. Researchers were looking to see if incontinence led to less physical activity, which in turn could increase cardiovascular disease risk. They did not find that, but the condition was linked to various heart disease risk factors and events.
Key Line: “'There is an association between incontinence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk,' the study authors write. 'Women should be screened for incontinence regularly as it may contribute to CVD risk, and women with CVD risk factors should be screened for undiagnosed incontinence.'”
Source: University of Iowa
ONCOLOGY
More Breast Cancer Screening Means Earlier Detection, Less Death
What: A study of over 13,000 women ages 70 and up found those who had been getting mammograms five years before diagnosis had their cancer caught at an earlier stage, and lower mortality rates.
Key Line: "In multivariable analyses, prior screening was associated with 54% lower odds of later-stage breast cancer diagnosis...and 36% lower hazard of breast cancer–specific death...compared with no prior screening."
Source: JAMA Network
WELLNESS + BEAUTY
Hypochlorous Acid: The Disinfectant That Packs a Punch
What: Scientific American reports that there's a new (old) skin cleaning agent on the block: Hypochlorous acid, a disinfecting agent, is more potent than bleach but safe to use on skin and approved by the FDA for various applications. And it's becoming more common as a household item, thanks to developments extending its shelf-life.
Key Line: " Hypochlorous acid sprays now show up in my social feeds, promoted by influencers gushing about their skin-rejuvenating properties. Some of the products I’ve seen use specialty salts (truly unnecessary) and charge significantly more for the purported luxury. If I hadn’t first encountered this disinfectant in academic literature, I might have scrolled right past these ads, dismissing hypochlorous acid as just another snake oil sold to exploit people’s fears."
Source: Scientific American
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