Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary: Can He “Make America Healthy Again”?
As President Trump continues his push to reshape the federal government, one of his most controversial cabinet nominations has now been confirmed. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once a Democratic challenger to Joe Biden, then an independent presidential candidate, and now a Trump ally, was officially sworn in as the 26th Secretary of the Department of […]
Understanding Midwife and Doula Healthcare Integration
Background In the U.S. today, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth as White women. One potential remedy to address this and other disparities in maternal health outcomes, which has gained recent attention, is the integration of midwives and doulas into the U.S. healthcare system. Doulas are trained professionals who […]
Understanding the Accountability for Overprescription Debate
Background: The Opioid Epidemic Over the past two decades, the opioid epidemic has emerged as a key public health issue in the United States. The first wave of the epidemic was characterized by an increase in opioid prescriptions in the late 1990s paired with marketing from pharmaceutical companies that ensured that opioids were safe for […]
The Pros and Cons of the Black Maternal Momnibus Act
Background on Black Maternal Health The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Black women are over three times more likely to die during or after childbirth than white women, often facing life-threatening complications from early pregnancy to postpartum. Unfair treatment and lower quality of care contribute to these disparities, with more than […]
The Pros and Cons of the Honor Our Living Donors Act
Introduction to Organ Donation As of September 2024, more than 100,000 individuals nationwide were on the waiting list for organ transplants. Despite the fact that over 46,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S. last year, thousands of Americans still die annually waiting for a new organ. While some believe financial incentives for living donors […]
Pros and Cons of the SUPPORT Act of 2018
Background The opioid epidemic has emerged as a major public health issue in the United States. Beginning with a surge in opioid prescription in the 1990s and followed by waves of addiction to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, the crisis has grown and morphed since its inception. Since 1999, there have been more than 600,000 […]
Medicare-For-All Act 2023: Pros and Cons
Introduction Today, health insurance in America is decentralized. Private insurance companies—composed of employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) and the non-group market—make up 54.8% of health insurance coverage nationwide, while government-issued programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover 35.9% of the population. Private health insurance options operate as follows: Still, 7.9% of Americans, or roughly 26 million people, […]
The “Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act” of 2024: Key Insights and Implications
The “Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act” of 2024 is stirring significant debate as it seeks to protect crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) by allowing them to receive federal funding. Proponents argue that CPCs provide essential services, from pregnancy tests to emotional support, at little to no cost, enhancing access for pregnant individuals. However, critics raise serious concerns about the misleading information often provided by these centers and the potential misuse of federal funds. As this legislation unfolds, its implications could reshape the landscape of reproductive health services across the nation. Discover the key insights and arguments surrounding this pivotal Act.
Pros and Cons of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act
The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 introduced the crucial 988 dialing code, aiming to transform how individuals in crisis access mental health support. Proponents argue that this three-digit number simplifies the process of seeking help, potentially saving lives by ensuring timely assistance. However, critics raise concerns about uneven state responses, resource constraints, and low public awareness, which could undermine the hotline’s effectiveness. As we explore the pros and cons of this significant legislation, we uncover the challenges and opportunities it presents in the fight against rising suicide rates and mental health crises.
Understanding the AI in Healthcare Debate
Background What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence, more commonly referred to as AI, encompasses many technologies that enable computers to simulate human intelligence and problem solving abilities. AI includes machine learning, which allows computers to imitate human learning, and deep learning, a subset of machine learning that simulates the decision making processes of the human […]