All articles tagged with #state bans
The Trump administration has rescinded Biden-era guidance that protected healthcare providers performing emergency abortions under federal law, leading to concerns about legal confusion and potential delays in critical care amid increasing state restrictions and the fallout from the Dobbs decision.
Following California's ban on four harmful food chemicals, multiple states are considering similar prohibitions on certain food additives linked to health risks, including cancer. The banned substances include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. States like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri are looking to enact laws to prohibit these additives in food products. The FDA has also proposed revoking the regulation authorizing the use of brominated vegetable oil in food due to adverse health effects. Various food and beverage products containing these additives could be affected, and some companies have committed to removing these substances from their products.
Bills advancing in multiple states could see thousands of popular candies, snacks, and sodas banned due to the presence of 13 additives linked to health risks, already banned in some European countries. California's historic 'Skittles Ban' has triggered similar measures in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Missouri, targeting additives linked to cancer, fertility issues, and hyperactivity in children. While some argue for the bans due to health concerns, opposition claims there is no strong evidence linking the additives to adverse effects. If passed, companies will need to change their recipes by January 2027 or face legal action.
The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal regarding the enforcement of laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ children, with three conservative justices dissenting. The court's decision allows the law to stand in Washington, where it has been upheld, while an appellate panel struck down local bans in Florida. Justices Alito and Thomas argued that the court should have taken up the case, citing concerns about licensed counselors being restricted in expressing their opinions on minors with gender dysphoria. The decision comes as efforts to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ kids continue across the country, with approximately half of the states prohibiting conversion therapy.
The first full-year census of U.S. abortion providers reveals that despite 14 states banning all abortions and seven imposing new limits, the total number of legal abortions in the United States increased slightly by about 0.2 percent. This increase was driven by the expansion of telemedicine for mail-order abortion pills, increased options and assistance for women who traveled, and a surge of publicity about ways to access abortions. While the response by abortion providers and activists resulted in more access to abortion in states where it's still legal, the bans and restrictions have had far-reaching effects, with many women resorting to methods outside the U.S. medical system or carrying their pregnancies to term.
Clergy members and practitioners of various religions are filing nearly a dozen lawsuits challenging abortion restrictions in state and federal courts, using religious protection laws enacted by anti-abortion state officials to target their own restrictions on the procedure. The lawsuits aim to restore access to the procedure and chip away at the assumption that all religious people oppose abortion. Legal experts say there’s a solid chance the challengers can persuade courts to grant religious exemptions to abortion bans if not strike them down altogether.