New report details the deadly rise of fentanyl in the US
Deidre McPhillips, CNN
Nearly 70,000 people in the US died of drug overdoses that involved fentanyl in 2021, almost a four-fold increase over five years. By 2021, about two-thirds of all overdose deaths involved the potent synthetic opioid, according to the report.
Covid-19 inflamed the opioid crisis, particularly for Black Americans
Krista Mahr, Politico
A new CDC report shows that more Black Americans died from fentanyl overdoses than from any other drug in 2021 and at far higher rates than whites or Hispanics.
Senator to pitch nearly $1 billion plan to fight fentanyl trafficking
Suzanne Monyak, Roll Call
Roughly half of the funding would aim to expand the ability of border officers to inspect more passenger vehicles entering the country via the U.S.-Mexico border and to improve officers’ ability to seize profits from drug sales leaving the U.S., according to a six-page proposal provided by Murphy’s office.
Biden’s pick to lead NIH stares down an increasingly political litany of questions
Sarah Owermohle, Stat News
President Biden’s presumed pick to lead the National Institutes of Health, Monica Bertagnolli, will face a slew of questions on the multibillion-dollar agency’s spending and oversight in her upcoming confirmation battle.
Better Flu Shots Have Evaded Us. That Could Soon Change.
Angelica Peebles, Bloomberg
Pfizer Inc., Moderna Inc. and other companies are using the mRNA technology behind the Covid-19 vaccines to improve the flu shot. Though as that work has progressed, it’s become apparent the task is far more challenging and urgent than expected.
One Dose of HPV Vaccine Prevents Infection for at Least Three Years
Apoorva Mandavilli, The New York Times
Protection may last even longer, scientists reported. The finding may be a boon to low-income countries, where cervical cancer takes an enormous toll.
Why tuberculosis cases have risen in recent years after decades of decline
Aria Bendix, NBC News
After declining for nearly three decades, tuberculosis cases in the U.S. ticked up each year from 2020 to 2022. Cases rose more than 15% in that time, though the disease is still less prevalent than it was before the pandemic.
Breast density changes over time could be linked to breast cancer risk, study finds
Jacqueline Howard, CNN
Researchers have long known that women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer. But according to the study, published last week in the journal JAMA Oncology, the rate of breast density changes over time also appears to be associated with the risk of cancer being diagnosed in that breast.
Generic Abortion Pill Maker’s Lawsuit Allowed to Proceed
Celine Castronuovo, Bloomberg Law
Judge Robert C. Chambers of the US District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia denied motions to toss out the case over arguments of lack of standing filed by the state’s attorney general and Putnam County’s prosecuting attorney.
Because of Florida abortion laws, she carried her baby to term knowing he would die
Elizabeth Cohen et al., CNN
Florida law allows abortions after 15 weeks if two doctors confirm the diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality in writing, but doctors in Florida and states with similar laws have been hesitant to terminate such pregnancies for fear someone will question whether the abnormality was truly fatal.
A Vaccine for Birth Control?
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic
In its ideal form, a contraceptive vaccine could prevent pregnancy without the messy side effects of some hormonal birth control.
What You Need to Know About Stillbirths
Adriana Gallardo and Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica
We spoke to dozens of parents and medical experts about what causes stillbirths, whether there are warning signs to look for during pregnancy, and what your options are if you experience a stillbirth.
Federal Rules Don’t Require Period Product Ingredients on Packaging Labels. States Are Stepping In.
Erica Zurek KFF Health News
New York and California have passed laws requiring disclosure of ingredients on menstrual product packaging. Advocates want more transparency across the U.S.
Wisconsin legislators approve opioid settlement payout
The Associated Press
A coalition of states and local governments secured settlements in November and December with opioid manufacturers Teva and Allergan as well as with pharmaceutical chains Walmart, Walgreens and CVS totaling $19.2 billion.
NY governor signs bill expanding access to contraceptives
Maysoon Kahn, The Associated Press
Under the law that will take effect in November 2024, trained pharmacists will be able to distribute self-administered hormonal contraceptives including oral birth control pills, vaginal rings, and the patch to New Yorkers, even if patients don’t have a prescription from their doctor or nurse practitioner.
North Carolina Republicans reach agreement on 12-week abortion ban
Sharon Bernstein, Reuters
Republican lawmakers in North Carolina said on Tuesday they had reached agreement on a plan to limit most abortions to the first trimester of pregnancy, a sharp drop from the state’s current limit of 20 weeks gestation.
