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Newsom Signs Law Allowing Arizona Doctors to Perform Abortions in California

Originally Published 1 year ago — by KCRA Sacramento

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Source: KCRA Sacramento

A new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom allows Arizona doctors to temporarily perform abortions in California, circumventing an old Arizona law banning nearly all abortions. This measure acts as a stopgap until Arizona's repeal of the 1864 law takes effect. The law is part of California's broader efforts to protect reproductive rights and provide sanctuary for those seeking abortions, especially after the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"Silent Support: Republicans Backing Childhood Vaccine Mandates"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Ohio State University News

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Source: The Ohio State University News

A study suggests that while most Republican voters support childhood vaccine mandates, they may be hesitant to publicly express these views due to a misperception of their support being in the minority, known as the false consensus effect. The overrepresentation of extreme views on social media can discourage those in the majority from speaking out, leading to self-censorship and hindering public mobilization of important public health policies. The study's findings also shed light on majority misconceptions about other issues, and the authors suggest that empowering individuals' self-confidence and media literacy could be key in overcoming self-silencing and promoting constructive online discourse.

"Legal Battles and Political Impact: The Florida Abortion Ban's Far-Reaching Consequences"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Guardian US

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Source: The Guardian US

Florida's upcoming six-week abortion ban has left providers and supporters scrambling to deal with the fallout for patients, with concerns about turning patients away at unprecedented rates and financial pressures on abortion funds. The state's strict requirements for counseling and the potential doubling of costs per patient are expected to further limit access to abortion. Providers and funds are bracing for the impact, with some expecting to run out of money and be unable to fulfill requests for support for travel.

"COVID Response Report: Lessons Learned and Future Risks"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox News

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Source: Fox News

A new report from the Committee to Unleash Prosperity criticizes the government's COVID-19 response, labeling lockdowns, school closures, and vaccine mandates as "catastrophic errors" that eroded public trust in health institutions. The report offers ten lessons to avoid repeating these mistakes, including limiting the powers of health agencies and halting binding agreements with the World Health Organization. It argues that lockdowns did not substantially reduce deaths and caused negative health impacts, while school closures and mask mandates also had little value. The report also criticizes the media, Big Tech, and public health community for stifling debate and recommends defining "public health emergency" with strict limitations on executive powers.

"Ex-Prime Minister Applauds England's Ban on Puberty Blockers for Kids as a Major Progress"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fox News

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Source: Fox News

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss praised England's ban on puberty blockers for children, citing concerns about long-term impacts on fertility and overall health. The National Health Service (NHS) banned the use of puberty blockers for children, citing safety concerns and limited research on the long-term effects, and it will now only be available to children in limited ways, such as clinical trials. Truss expressed concerns about the pressure from gender ideologues and the impact on teenage girls, emphasizing the need to protect single-sex spaces. Mental health nurse Amy Gallagher echoed Truss' sentiment, warning about irreversible side effects for kids and emphasizing the lack of research on the safety of these hormones.

"Alabama IVF Legislation Sparks Controversy and Political Opportunities"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by USA TODAY

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Source: USA TODAY

The Alabama state legislature overwhelmingly passed bills protecting patients and medical professionals from civil and criminal liability for in vitro fertilization treatments, following a state Supreme Court ruling that embryos are considered children. The move aims to reassure IVF advocates and providers, with national implications prompting support for IVF protections from both Republicans and Democrats. The legislation now moves to the opposite chamber for review, with efforts to expedite approval and reach the governor's desk.

"Alabama Legislature Passes IVF Access Bill Despite GOP Opposition"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by ABC News

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Source: ABC News

The Alabama Legislature has passed a bill to ensure access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) following a state Supreme Court ruling that raised concerns about the treatment due to embryos being considered children. The legislation, which provides civil and criminal immunity for damage to embryos as part of IVF services, aims to reassure clinics and doctors and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. This move comes after roughly half of Alabama's IVF clinics paused treatments in response to the court's decision, fearing legal repercussions.

"Seventh Circuit Upholds Indiana's Ban on Gender-Transitioning Treatments for Minors"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN

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Source: CNN

The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago has ruled to stay the preliminary injunction on Indiana's ban on transition care for minors, allowing the law to take effect immediately. The law, known as SEA 480, prohibits physicians from providing minors with treatments such as puberty blocking medication, hormone therapy, and surgery intended to help transition genders. The ACLU expressed disappointment and vowed to continue challenging the law, while Indiana's Attorney General Todd Rokita applauded the ruling, stating that the ban on gender transition procedures for minors is a common-sense measure.

"Alabama Republicans Push for IVF Doctor Immunity Amid Controversial Court Ruling"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by POLITICO

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Source: POLITICO

Alabama Republicans are proposing legislation to give doctors who perform in vitro fertilization immunity from civil and criminal prosecution, aiming to restore access to IVF services after a recent state Supreme Court decision declared frozen embryos as children. The proposed bill falls short of an earlier draft that considered embryos as "potential life" but not "human life." The measure is set to sunset in 2025 and is seen as a temporary fix, with concerns that the state may need a more permanent solution due to the constitutional language on personhood. Both Democrats and Republicans are introducing bills to address the issue, with Democrats aiming to make abortion rights a central issue in their 2024 campaigns.

"Florida's 'Unborn Child' Bill Stalls Amid IVF and Abortion Policy Concerns"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN

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Source: CNN

A proposed bill in Florida to define a fetus as an "unborn child" and expand liability for wrongful death lawsuits for unborn children has stalled indefinitely following the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling on frozen embryos. The bill's sponsor, Republican state Sen. Erin Grall, requested a vote postponement amid concerns that the broad language could lead to civil lawsuits against healthcare providers and others. The ruling has prompted clinics in Alabama to halt some IVF treatments, causing turmoil for families and leading some to seek IVF services in other states. US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is in Birmingham to meet with affected patients and healthcare workers, expressing concern over the impact of the ruling on reproductive rights and IVF access.