Speaking at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, Halle Berry criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a menopause care bill for the second year in a row. Berry, who is a strong advocate for women’s health and the founder of wellness company Respin Health, expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the devaluation of women in midlife within society. Newsom’s office later clarified the veto was due to concerns about potentially increasing healthcare costs for working women. Berry’s remarks occurred shortly before Newsom himself was scheduled to speak at the same event.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is removing black box safety warnings from hormone therapy treatments for menopause, citing a review of recent scientific evidence. The warnings, which previously highlighted risks of cancer, dementia, heart attacks, and strokes, will be removed to increase accessibility and facilitate shared decision-making between patients and clinicians. Despite this change, systemic estrogen products still carry potential risks, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) emphasizes the importance of individual consultations. The FDA’s decision, however, has drawn some criticism, as it bypassed the usual advisory committee process.
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The Gates Foundation has announced a $2.5 billion commitment to women’s health initiatives by 2030, representing a significant increase over previous investments. This funding, a core part of Bill Gates’ plan to donate his $200 billion fortune, will target under-researched areas impacting millions globally, including conditions such as preeclampsia, endometriosis, and menopause. The investment will focus on five key areas, aiming to spur research, product development, and equitable access to healthcare solutions worldwide, while also calling for increased contributions from other sectors to address the substantial funding gap.
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The Trump administration has initiated plans to destroy $9.7 million worth of U.S.-purchased contraceptives, a decision stemming from the dismantling of foreign assistance programs. These contraceptives, stored in a Belgium warehouse, are primarily long-lasting types with expiration dates as far out as 2029. Despite offers to redirect the supplies, including paying for shipping, the U.S. government has rejected them, citing the “Mexico City policy.” This policy prevents organizations that provide or promote abortion from receiving U.S. funding. The destruction of these contraceptives has led to concerns from organizations like Doctors Without Borders, which rely on the supplies for women’s health initiatives.
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The Trump administration is planning to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, primarily IUDs and implants, rather than distribute them to women in need, despite the cost of $167,000 to taxpayers. This decision stems from US laws that prohibit aid to organizations providing abortion services, impacting potential buyers and leading to the destruction of supplies intended for Africa. This action is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Agency for International Development (USAID) and cut foreign aid, potentially leading to millions of additional deaths. Organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices, which attempted to purchase the contraceptives, were turned down and are now facing critical shortages in several countries, including many in Africa. This destruction of aid and the cuts in funding represents a significant decline in support for women’s health programs globally, with potentially devastating consequences.
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England will make the morning-after pill freely available over the counter in pharmacies nationwide this year, eliminating the current cost of up to £30. This initiative aims to improve equitable access to emergency contraception and reduce the burden on general practitioners. The government’s broader plan includes enhanced pharmacy services, such as support for depression patients and high blood pressure detection, alongside streamlined access to consultations. Full NHS reimbursement for related pharmacy consultations will be maintained. Further details on this investment package will be released soon.
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Selena Maria Chandler-Scott, a 24-year-old Georgia woman, faces charges of concealing a death and abandoning a body after experiencing a 19-week miscarriage. Police allege she disposed of fetal remains, prompting concerns about the state’s restrictive abortion law, which grants personhood to fetuses. The autopsy revealed no trauma, confirming a natural miscarriage. However, the case highlights anxieties surrounding the potential criminalization of women experiencing pregnancy complications under Georgia’s “heartbeat law.”
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The Albanese government has announced significant funding for women’s health, adding several medications to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This includes the contraceptive pill Slinda, the endometriosis treatment Ryeqo, and expanded access to the IVF drug Pergoveris. These additions are expected to save women thousands of dollars annually on treatments for conditions affecting one in seven Australian women. The funding builds upon a previously announced half-billion-dollar women’s health package and reflects a commitment to addressing long-standing inequities in healthcare access.
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Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president and prominent feminist activist, passed away at age 67 from brain cancer. A lifelong advocate for reproductive rights, Richards remained politically active even after her diagnosis, actively campaigning for Democratic candidates and working to expand access to abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Her career spanned decades of activism, including leadership roles at Planned Parenthood and co-founding Supermajority. Richards’ legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to women’s health and reproductive freedom.
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The 2024 KFF Women’s Health Survey reveals that avoiding pregnancy is a top priority for nearly 70% of women of reproductive age, with 82% using contraception in the past year. A significant portion (20%) of uninsured women discontinued birth control due to cost, highlighting affordability concerns. The survey also found that social media influences contraceptive choices for some women, and access to emergency contraception remains a challenge for many. These findings underscore the importance of contraceptive access following the Dobbs decision.
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John Q. Hosedrinker