Health

Efforts to restrict transgender health care endure in 2024, with more adults targeted

By Andrew DeMillo, Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press

Advocates for transgender rights say most of the states inclined to pass gender-affirming care bans have done so. They now expect those states to build upon those restrictions and expand them to adults.

Alabama can enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, appeals court rules

By Kim Chandler, Associated Press

A federal appeals court has ruled that Alabama can begin enforcing a ban outlawing the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender children.

Program aims to provide cash for pregnant women and families with newborns in Flint, Michigan

By Associated Press

The program has no restrictions on income. The $1,500 can be used on food, prenatal care, rent, cribs or other needs. The $500 monthly stipend can be spent on formula, diapers or childcare.

Holiday gatherings and a new variant have driven up COVID cases globally, WHO says

By Associated Press

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, while hospital admissions during the month jumped 42 percent in nearly 50 countries — mostly in Europe and the Americas — that shared such trend information.

LGBTQ+ advocates’ lawsuit says Louisiana transgender care ban violates the state constitution

By Kevin McGill, Associated Press

The lawsuit was prepared by Lamda Legal and other advocates on behalf of five Louisiana minors and their parents, identified in the lawsuit by pseudonyms.

Investigation raises new questions about Philips breathing devices after 2021 recall

By Ali Rogin, Andrew Corkery, Harry Zahn

In 2021, a widely used breathing device manufactured by Philips was the subject of a safety recall. Now, new reporting shows that the replacement machines sent out to customers might also pose dangerous problems. Ali Rogin speaks with Debbie Cenziper,…

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COVID is surging again. Here’s what to know and why experts encourage caution

By John Yang, Lorna Baldwin, Kaisha Young, Juliet Fuisz

The U.S. is experiencing another uptick in COVID infections after the holidays, with hospitalizations rising for the eighth week in a row. A new dominant variant, JN.1, has quickly spread to account for more than 60 percent of cases. John…

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Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce its strict abortion ban, even in medical emergencies

By Mark Sherman, Associated Press

The Democratic administration argued hospitals that receive Medicare funds are required by a federal law to provide emergency care including abortion.

FDA says Florida can import prescription drugs from Canada

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

Federal officials have cleared the way for Florida to begin importing cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. It's the first time any U.S. state has used the approach and follows years of frustration with U.S. drug prices.

In Texas case, federal appeals panel says emergency abortions not required by 1986 law

By Kevin McGill, Associated Press

The administration had issued guidance saying hospitals "must" provide abortion services if the life of the mother is at risk, citing a 1986 law that requires hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment for anyone who arrives at the emergency room.