up 74%

October 7, 2026

Tonight: high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy jump 74%, an A.I. breast cancer risk test goes nationwide for $249, and more.

— Meghan McCarthy

Doctors have stepped deeper into abortion politics since the Supreme Court overturned Roe, Politico reports. Physicians have led ballot measure campaigns in Ohio and nearly a dozen other states, sued over abortion bans in Idaho, Tennessee, and Texas, and run for office. Anti-abortion doctors have organized too. The two camps now face off over November ballot measures in Virginia, Idaho, Nevada, and Missouri.

Women across the U.S. can now pay $249 for an A.I. estimate of their five-year breast cancer risk using a mammogram they’ve already had, the New York Times reports. The FDA-authorized tool, Clairity Breast, looks for subtle patterns in compatible screening mammograms from the past year. It could help doctors identify women who would benefit from closer screening or preventive medication, even without a family history. Everlywell sells it; insurance doesn’t cover it. Experts caution that low scores could encourage women to skip screening, while high scores could trigger unnecessary biopsies. Researchers haven’t yet shown that using the test saves lives.

Only about 10% of employees say their employer offers support specifically for menopause, according to a survey of 1,110 U.S. workers by the Society for Women’s Health Research and The Fuchsia Tent. But many report general benefits that the researchers say could help: 62% have prescription coverage, 55% have flexible scheduling, and 51% have telehealth. The authors urge employers to explain how workers can use those benefits for menopause care. Women most often said they would use flexible scheduling and menopause prescription coverage. One in three women who reported or suspected symptoms has considered leaving her job or cutting her hours.

Rates of high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy rose 74% between 2016 and 2024, from about 63 to 109 per 1,000 live births, according to an analysis of more than 33 million U.S. births. Rates rose across every racial and ethnic group. By 2024, American Indian and Alaska Native mothers had the highest rate, at about 144 per 1,000, followed by Black mothers, at about 133.

Patient navigators helped low-income mothers get postpartum care at a Chicago hospital, according to a randomized trial of 405 patients. They helped mothers overcome barriers like transportation, childcare, and scheduling. With navigator support, 96% attended a postpartum visit, compared with 80% who received usual care. More mothers also received depression screening, connections to care when needed, and guidance about mental health. By about a year postpartum, 57% had attended a primary care visit, versus 30%.