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Viewpoints: Administration 'finally' comes around on Plan B; 'Legal loophole' creates another compounded drug scare

Reluctantly yielding to a federal-court decision, the Obama administration announced on Monday that it will take steps to allow a version of the so-called morning-after pill, known as Plan B One-Step, to be sold over the counter to girls and women of all ages. They will not need a prescription, nor will they be required to show any identification to obtain the emergency contraceptive. There will be no restrictions on where the drug can be sold; it will be up to the manufacturer to propose appropriate venues (6/11).

13 Jun 2013

Obama administration changes course on Plan B

Monday afternoon, the Justice Department announced it would accept recent court rulings and begin putting into effect a judge's order to have the Food and Drug Administration certify the Plan B pill for use without prescription and without age restrictions on sales.

12 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 11, 2013

Today's headlines include coverage of the Obama administration's decision to drop the fight to keep age restrictions in place for Plan B emergency contraceptive pill sales.

11 Jun 2013

Democrats' efforts to revamp Senate filibuster rules tempered by fears on abortion votes

Some supporters of abortion rights fear that any current changes could be used sometime in the future to restrict the option for women. Meanwhile, an appeal court rules that some morning-after pills should be available over the counter immediately.

7 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 6, 2013

Today's headlines include a report about a new poll showing public uneasiness is increasing in regard to the health law. At the same time, the White House is stepping up its efforts encourage people to enroll in the health coverage the will be available as a result of the overhaul.

6 Jun 2013

Report highlights successes in improving maternal health, reducing child mortality

Rapid expansion of programs to prevent HIV transmission to babies and vaccinate children show how results can be achieved in relatively little time.

1 Jun 2013

ArtVentive EOS Peripheral Vascular Enoluminal Occlusion system receives CE Mark certification

ArtVentive Medical Group, Inc. announced today that the Company has received its European CE Mark certification for the ArtVentive EOS Peripheral Vascular Enoluminal Occlusion system.

1 Jun 2013

New approach to increase effectiveness of family planning care

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health was awarded a $15 million five-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to implement a mobile device-based data collection system to monitor progress in family planning access and quality of care in some of the poorest countries in the developing world.

28 May 2013

Information and services about sexuality and sexual health unavailable to many young people

Young people are demanding information and education about their bodies, sex, their sexuality and sexual health, as well as access to services that will support them to stay safe and healthy. Papers published in the latest themed issue of Reproductive Health Matters (RHM) demonstrate that information and services in fact remain unavailable to many young people, and many may grow up without fully understanding things that they are currently experiencing such as menstruation, let alone preparing themselves for future sexual relationships and adulthood.

28 May 2013

Research show potential link between psychological vulnerability and timing of menstrual cycle

Women at a particular stage in their monthly menstrual cycle may be more vulnerable to some of the psychological side-effects associated with stressful experiences, according to a study from UCL.

27 May 2013

Federal appellate court hears arguments challenging health law's birth control mandate

The Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago is the first federal appellate court to hear arguments in cases challenging the mandate that took effect last August. With dozens of similar lawsuits pending, many say the issue seems likely to land before the Supreme Court. The case brought by Hobby Lobby Inc. is considered the most prominent of these efforts.

24 May 2013

First Edition: May 23, 2013

Today's headlines include various status updates about state activity regarding the health law's online insurance marketplaces.

23 May 2013

Viewpoints: Sebelius' 'ethical line'; As tricky phase of health law approaches, concerns about exchanges opening on time

One of the biggest questions hanging over the health-care system is how many young Americans will sign up for coverage once the Affordable Care Act begins to phase in this October. If too few buy insurance on the markets that the government is creating, insurance companies would be stuck covering primarily the old and the sick. They would have to pay out more per customer.

21 May 2013

AGA Research Foundation announces 2013 research scholars

The American Gastroenterological Association Research Foundation is pleased to announce its 2013 research scholars. This year's honorees are outstanding young gastroenterologists working toward independent careers in gastroenterology, hepatology or related areas, and with this award, their research time will be protected.

20 May 2013

Appeals court to hear Liberty University health law challenge

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., will hear arguments on Thursday related to the lawsuit brought by the Christian university.

17 May 2013

First Edition: May 16, 2013

Today's headlines detail the Senate confirmation of Acting Chief Marilyn Tavenner to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

16 May 2013

Viewpoints: Controversy taints IRS efforts on health law; Another chance to 'gut' the overhaul in the courts; Salt wrongly accused

Even as the politicized tax enforcement scandal expands, the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its political powers thanks to the Affordable Care Act. A larger government always creates more openings for abuse, as Americans will learn when the IRS starts auditing their health care in addition to their 1040 next year (5/14).

16 May 2013

Obama administration asks appeals court to delay judge's order on emergency contraceptive

The federal government's legal fight over the availability of emergency contraception is heating up at the next level in the courts.

15 May 2013

Viewpoints: Obama took risk on budget offer and was slammed by Rep. Ryan; Health law could 'quash' progress on spending

Obama took a risk and proposed a budget containing cuts to entitlements cherished by his party. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, and his cohorts were unmoved; they wouldn't give an inch on new revenue. Simpson and Bowles gave Obama a pat on the back and largely refrained from criticizing Ryan or House Speaker John Boehner, while corporate leaders ducked.

14 May 2013

Catholic-secular hospital mergers further complicate crowded abortion-rights battlefield

Mergers between Catholic and secular hospitals could mean wider restriction of abortion, even as lawmakers in many states consider tighter regulation or bans on the procedure.