Get the top three things to know in women's health + wellness, every weekday:

The People of Florida Can Read a Ballot (On Abortion)

February 8, 2024

What: Florida’s Supreme Court heard arguments today on a ballot initiative to protect abortion access to the state. Politico says state justices were critical of Republicans’ argument that the amendment was too complicated for voters to understand.

Why it matters: “The people of Florida aren’t stupid — they can figure things out,” the chief justice said. If the amendment does make it on the ballot, that could significantly increase Democratic turn out in Florida for this November’s election.

Source: Politico

More News Snippets

The Voters Backing Trump and Opposing Abortion Bans

There were millions of people who voted against abortion bans *and* FOR the man who put those bans in motion.

Democrats Push for Medicaid to Cover Menstrual Products

Tampons and pads can be a luxury item for the lowest income Americans.

Giving Birth Can Bring Financial Strain and Ruin in the United States

While around 80% of Medicaid patients paid nothing for labor and delivery, 60% of people on commercial insurance paid $1,000 or more out of pocket.

Saving the Tiniest Babies

Advances in neonatal care now make it possible to save extremely premature babies, some born as early as 22 weeks.

Digging Into VP Kamala Harris’ Record on Reproductive Health

What: The New York Times combs through VP Kamala Harris’ record on abortion from her days as a prosecutor, finding an “unwavering conviction” that women

Lack of Sleep Due to Apnea Tied to Dementia

An analysis of over 18,000 adults found that signs of sleep apnea are correlated with a higher chance of having dementia, especially among women.

The Science of Cravings, Chocolate, and Periods

Breaking down cravings during menstrual cycles, and how some small studies have shown the foods we crave may be driven more by culture than by biology.

Some Experts Warn Menopause Doc Misstates HRT Risks

A recent documentary on menopause made a big splash, but some experts are criticizing it for overstating the risks of cancer and heart disease associated with hormone replacement therapy.

Menopause and Muscle Pain

How hormonal changes during menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, can lead to muscle pain and body aches.

Drunk Elephant Recalls Skin Care Products

Skincare brand Drunk Elephant has recalled some products due to contamination concerns, after ingredients were mixed up in several items.

Medicare and Medicaid in Oz

Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid–the country’s massive health insurance programs for the elderly and lower-income adults and children.

Could Ozempic Prevent Fibroids?

Women with type 2 diabetes who got a GLP-1 medication were less likely to develop new fibroids than women who just took metformin, a diabetes medication.

British Agency Backs Hormone Therapy First Over Talk Therapy for Menopause

Last year, the same agency got fierce criticism for saying menopausal woman should get talk therapy

Is Perfect Is the Enemy of the Good in Reproductive Health Battles After Election Losses?

Reproductive rights groups are not ready to embrace compromises on abortion, IVF, and birth control access, arguing that they could harm access to reproductive care.

Top Trump Official Calls for Only Men to Vote

MAGA might dismiss this as a troll, but it’s always a joke until it’s not.

Choice in Birthing Position Tied to Satisfaction

A study looks at which birthing position (i.e. lying down, standing up) women prefer most in labor, measured in part by which women report the highest levels of satisfaction with their labor.

Georgia Fires Entire Maternal Mortality Committee

Georgia state officials shut down an entire committee dedicated to reviewing maternal mortality in the state, after ProPublica reported in September on the deaths of two women as a result of the state’s abortion ban.

Moms Using Marijuana During Pregnancy Don’t Know About Negative Side Effects

70% did not associate using marijuana with any negative side effects, even though it can be associated with preterm labor and low birth weight

Florence Pugh on PCOS + Egg Freezing

Actress Florence Pugh discussed living with PCOS and endometriosis, and her decision to freeze her eggs at 27 years old.

The Forties are For…Injuries?

Eliza Barclay has a reported essay on her experience with several muscle injuries in her 40s