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Black maternal mortality gap still persists in U.S.
Kristal Dixon, Axios, April 15
Black women remain three times more likely than white and Hispanic women to die from pregnancy-related complications. Black Maternal Health Week, which runs from April 11-17, aims to draw attention to this disparity. Anti-DEI efforts by the federal government have meant that Black-led efforts to address disparate outcomes have not been granted the same funding support that other organizations continue to receive. Dr. Nicole Rankins, a Virginia-based OB-GYN, said closing gaps in maternal mortality rates can begin with health care workers recognizing and addressing unconscious biases. “It just means that — whether you realize it or not — Black women are being treated differently than other people in the health care system,” she said.
‘It’s a safe space’: Mobile midwifery clinics meet patients where they are
Nada Hassanein, Stateline, April 6
Inside an RV, the Southern Birth Justice Network brings maternity care to majority-Black and Latino neighborhoods across Miami-Dade County in Florida. The mobile midwifery clinic aims to offer a relaxed setting where women are comfortable and heard, and can connect with doulas from diverse backgrounds. OB-GYN shortages and labor and delivery units closing are contributing to making it difficult to access care. Maternal health equity advocates say midwives can help fill gaps and mobile clinics can meet people where they are. But mobile units are not as common for midwifery as they are for other areas of care.
States face another challenge with Medicaid work rules: staffing shortages
Sam Whitehead, KFF Health News, April 9
State Medicaid agencies can struggle to keep enough staff to help people sign up for benefits and field calls from enrollees with questions. Medicaid work rules that are set to take effect in 2027 will demand even more from staff. They will soon not only have to determine whether enrollees meet the program’s new requirements but also verify more frequently that they qualify for the program — every six months instead of once a year. The new rules will require extensive IT system changes and training for workers verifying eligibility on a tight timeline.
States change custody laws to keep children of detained immigrants out of foster care
Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, KFF Health News, April 14
As immigration authorities carry out mass deportations, many states are passing laws to keep children out of foster care when their parents are detained. Separation from a parent is deeply traumatic for children and can lead to various health and psychological issues. Prolonged, intense stress can lead to more frequent infections and developmental issues in children. California is among the states that have passed laws to protect children separated from their parents. The law allows parents to nominate guardians and share custodial rights while they are detained and allows parents to regain those rights if they are released.
Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows
Erika Edwards and Kaan Ozcan, NBC News, April 13
A new study found that tests of intelligence and brain function showed the same results whether or not people drank fluoridated water growing up. The study is the first to measure community water fluoridation exposure during childhood in the U.S. and any potential impact on cognition up to age 80. The results debunk claims that fluoride in drinking water is associated with IQ loss. Florida and Utah have enacted bans on fluoride in drinking water. Water fluoridation is considered one of the top public health initiatives of the last century for its ability to prevent cavities.