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Posts published in “Health”

Biden Administration Declares Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine an “Emerging Threat” to the United StatesImage courtesy of media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com

Biden Administration Declares Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine an “Emerging Threat” to the United States

By News Masher on April 12, 2023

The Biden administration has declared fentanyl mixed with xylazine, known as "tranq", to be an "emerging threat" to the United States, the first time any administration has used the authority granted by the SUPPORT Act of 2018 to do so. Dr. Rahul Gupta, the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, announced the declaration and said the administration is committed to addressing the opioid crisis and is taking steps to reduce overdose deaths. The plan includes increasing access to treatment and prevention services, expanding access to naloxone, and increasing public awareness about the dangers of opioids.

CDC Warns of Alarming Increase in Syphilis Cases, Urges Regular STI TestingImage courtesy of assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com

CDC Warns of Alarming Increase in Syphilis Cases, Urges Regular STI Testing

By News Masher on April 11, 2023

This article discusses the alarming rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US in 2021, with syphilis rates increasing by 32%. Chlamydia accounted for more than half of the reported cases, and the most concerning increase was in cases of congenital syphilis, which rose by 32% and caused 220 stillbirths and infant deaths. The CDC recommends regular testing for STIs, particularly for pregnant women, in order to prevent further spread of the infection.

Rep. Jennifer Wexton Vows to Continue Work in Congress Despite Parkinson’s DiagnosisImage courtesy of media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com

Rep. Jennifer Wexton Vows to Continue Work in Congress Despite Parkinson’s Diagnosis

By News Masher on April 11, 2023

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and has no cure. Wexton has been mainly affected in her speech and mouth movement, but is determined to continue her work in Congress and use her platform to fight for greater resources towards a cure. She has a positive attitude and is doing well.

Biden Administration Faces Pressure to Respond to Federal Ruling on Abortion Drug MifepristoneImage courtesy of img.huffingtonpost.com

Biden Administration Faces Pressure to Respond to Federal Ruling on Abortion Drug Mifepristone

By News Masher on April 10, 2023

A U.S. District Court judge in Texas ruled that the FDA's approval of mifepristone was illegal, sparking a debate over the future of abortion access in the United States. Democrats have called on the Biden administration to ignore the ruling, but the administration has yet to announce what action it will take. The FDA is expected to make a statement soon.

Justice Department Requests Clarification from Judge Rice on Order to Maintain Availability of Abortion Pill in Multiple StatesImage courtesy of talkingpointsmemo.com

Justice Department Requests Clarification from Judge Rice on Order to Maintain Availability of Abortion Pill in Multiple States

By News Masher on April 10, 2023

The Justice Department has asked a federal judge in Washington state to clarify an order that the FDA maintain the availability of the abortion pill in more than a dozen states, in direct opposition to a Texas decision. A coalition of Democratic attorneys general had filed suit to lift restrictions on the drug, and the Justice Department is now seeking clarification on the order. It remains to be seen how the court will respond and how it will affect the availability of the drug in the states involved.

Biden Administration Appeals Ruling That Would Have Endangered Access to Abortion Pill MifepristoneImage courtesy of media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com

Biden Administration Appeals Ruling That Would Have Endangered Access to Abortion Pill Mifepristone

By News Masher on April 10, 2023

The Department of Justice has filed a request in a federal appeals court to block a ruling from a Trump-appointed judge that would have endangered access to the abortion pill mifepristone. The Biden administration is arguing that the ruling is "extraordinary and unprecedented" and should be stayed pending appeal. The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000 and it has since become one of the most commonly used abortion pills, used in combination with another drug to terminate a pregnancy.

Biden Administration Prepares to Defend FDA Approval of Abortion Drug Despite Federal Judge’s RulingImage courtesy of media.cnn.com

Biden Administration Prepares to Defend FDA Approval of Abortion Drug Despite Federal Judge’s Ruling

By News Masher on April 10, 2023

The Biden administration has responded to a recent ruling from a federal judge in Texas that suspended the approval of a medication drug used for abortion. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican congresswoman, has urged the FDA to ignore the ruling, while Jones, spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services, stated that the agency is prepared to defend the approval through the legal process. The FDA has not yet commented on the ruling or the administration's response, leaving the future of the drug uncertain.