Health

South Carolina abortion ban with 'fetal heartbeat' definition creates confusion, doctors say

By James Pollard, Associated Press

Up for debate is whether the law's definition of "fetal heartbeat" as "cardiac activity" or the "rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart" refers to the same or two separate points in a pregnancy.

Biden says he will request more funding for a new COVID-19 vaccine

By Seung Min Kim, Associated Press

President Joe Biden said Friday that he is planning to request more money from Congress to develop another new coronavirus vaccine, as scientists track new waves and hospitalizations rise, though not like before.

Texas ban on gender-affirming care for trans children blocked, Missouri ban allowed to take effect

By Summer Ballentine, Jim Vertuno, Associated Press

Friday's opposite outcomes underscore the mixed verdict in courtrooms across the U.S. this year over a historic wave of restrictions aimed at transgender youth.

Backers blast revised ballot language for Ohio's fall abortion amendment as misleading

By Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press

The new language changes the word "fetus" to "unborn child," and suggests that the amendment would prohibit citizens from limiting abortion access when it would actually limit the government from doing so.

In Iowa and elsewhere, bans on widely discredited 'conversion therapy' become a conservative target

By Hannah Fingerhut, Associated Press

One of Iowa's largest cities is the latest municipality to repeal its ban on so-called LGBTQ+ conversion therapy. That's the discredited practice of trying to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.

Transgender seniors worry about retirement, old age amid wave of anti-trans legislation

By Andrew DeMillo, Lynne Sladky, Laura Bargfeld, Associated Press

A battle over transgender people's rights in the United States has focused attention mostly on youth, but for many transgender seniors, it's brought new fears to their plans for retirement and old age.

New Jersey schools to offer free menstrual products for students grade 6 through 12

By Associated Press

New Jersey will require school districts to offer free menstrual products for grades six through 12 under a new law Gov. Phil Murphy has signed.

Justice Department announces charges against hundreds of alleged COVID-19 fraudsters

By Richard Lardner, Associated Press

The May-through-July operation underscores how pervasive the fraud was and the time it takes for law enforcement officials to hunt down, charge and convict people who stole money during a national emergency.

Fake Arizona rehab centers scam Native Americans from across the country, officials warn during investigations

By Anita Snow, Associated Press

Arizona's Medicaid program has now suspended payment to more than 300 providers pending investigations. Government and tribal officials in other states are warning people in their areas as the fraud's reach becomes better known.

Some states reject federal money to find and replace millions of dangerous lead pipes

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

Experts say some states and communities may be hesitant to take out loans to search for lead pipes. Activists say declining the money could mean failing to address an important public health issue.