For a Louisiana lawmaker, exempting incest and rape from the state’s abortion ban is personal

For a Louisiana lawmaker, exempting incest and rape from the state’s abortion ban is personal

For Louisiana Rep. Delisha Boyd, the uphill battle she faces to exempt pregnancies that are the result of rape and incest from Louisiana’s strict abortion ban is not just morally right — it’s also personal. With a GOP-dominated legislative committee set to debate and vote on Boyd’s exemption bill Tuesday, the Democratic New Orleans lawmaker … Read more

What defines a heartbeat? Judge hears arguments in South Carolina abortion case

What defines a heartbeat? Judge hears arguments in South Carolina abortion case

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s ban on abortions after roughly six weeks, before many women know they are pregnant, returned to court Thursday with Planned Parenthood and the state arguing over what could be two different ways to define a heartbeat in the law. Even the state Supreme Court justices who upheld the new law … Read more

Many Florida women can’t get abortions past 6 weeks. Where else can they go?

Many Florida women can’t get abortions past 6 weeks. Where else can they go?

RALEIGH, N.C. — When Florida enacted its six-week abortion ban last week, clinics in several other Southern and mid-Atlantic states sprang into action, knowing women would look to them for services no longer available where they live. Health care providers in North Carolina, three states to the north, are rushing to expand availability and decrease … Read more

No need to go guess: Mom knows best what she wants for Mother’s Day

No need to go guess: Mom knows best what she wants for Mother’s Day

NEW YORK — Not all moms are the same. They like and do different things. Some, gasp, don’t love the idea of flowers and chocolates for Mother’s Day. Consider these alternative gifts, many based on testimonials from actual moms. There’s a zillion ways to pamper mom. There’s breakfast in bed, of course, and homemade coupon … Read more

Florida’s 6-week abortion ban takes effect as doctors worry women will lose access to health care

Florida’s 6-week abortion ban takes effect as doctors worry women will lose access to health care

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Florida’s ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant, went into effect Wednesday, and some doctors are concerned that women in the state will no longer have access to needed health care. Dr. Leah Roberts, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist with … Read more

Supreme Court to consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans

Supreme Court to consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court will consider Wednesday when doctors can provide abortions during medical emergencies in states with bans enacted after the high court’s sweeping decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The case comes from Idaho, which is one of 14 states that now ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. It … Read more

When can doctors provide emergency abortions in states with strict bans? Supreme Court to weigh in

When can doctors provide emergency abortions in states with strict bans? Supreme Court to weigh in

WASHINGTON — Nearly two years after overturning the constitutional right to abortion, the Supreme Court will consider Wednesday how far state bans can extend to women in medical emergencies. The justices are weighing a case from Idaho, where a strict abortion ban went into effect shortly after the high court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. … Read more

As syphilis cases among US newborns soar, doctors group advises more screening during pregnancy

As syphilis cases among US newborns soar, doctors group advises more screening during pregnancy

With syphilis cases in U.S. newborns skyrocketing, a doctors group now recommends that all pregnant patients be screened three times for the sexually transmitted infection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued new guidance on Thursday saying the screening should be done at the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester and at birth. … Read more

Idaho group says it is exploring a ballot initiative for abortion rights and reproductive care

Idaho group says it is exploring a ballot initiative for abortion rights and reproductive care

BOISE, Idaho — A new Idaho organization says it will ask voters to restore abortion access and other reproductive health care rights in the state after lawmakers let a second legislative session end without modifying strict abortion bans that have been blamed for a recent exodus of health care providers. “We have not been able … Read more

Morning sickness? Prenatal check-ups? What to know about new rights for pregnant workers

Morning sickness? Prenatal check-ups? What to know about new rights for pregnant workers

Pregnant employees have the right to a wide range of accommodations under new federal regulations for enforcing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act that supporters say could change workplace culture for millions of people. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency in charge of enforcing the law, adopted an expansive view of conditions related to pregnancy … Read more