The Trump administration declared farmworkers “essential” and advised them to continue working—meaning the 2.5 million U.S. farmworkers providing this food must put their health and safety on the line to keep Americans fed throughout this pandemic.
Category: Health
U.K. Loosens Restrictions on Abortion Pills by Mail During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, women in the U.K. will have access to abortion at home, without traveling to a clinic. Prior to this temporary change, women were required to visit a clinic. Now, in the U.K., after a phone or video consultation with a doctor, patients may have both pills delivered to their homes.
‘We’re Doing What We Can’: How a Makeshift Network Is Filling in the Gaps with Medical Supplies
A shortage of necessary medical supplies like face masks has engaged a broad coalition of helpers, from those at home with just a sewing machine and fabric to public libraries with 3D printers.
How Schools Worldwide are Tackling Coronavirus Challenge
How do you create community when you can’t be together? Schools are closed for hundreds of millions of students, but educators, parents and children are still learning—including how to keep a sense of connection.
“Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Is Dangerous Language
As a medical anthropologist with expertise in how people interpret health policies, I am worried about the broader social implications of normalizing the expressions “stay home” and “stay healthy.” They reinforce misconceptions about how many people live, with the risk of doing more harm than good.
Texas Lawmakers Deem Abortion ‘Non-Essential,’ But Church ‘Essential’
On Tuesday, March 31, an appeals court allowed the Texasabortion ban to remain in place until the case made its way through the courts. Similar lawsuits are pending in other states as Alabama, Iowa, Ohio and Oklahoma attempt to ban abortions as well.
GLAAD and Senators Call to End Ban on Blood Donations from Gay and Bi Men
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, blood donations have become increasingly necessary to help those diagnosed with the disease. However, not all healthy people can donate: The FDA has stated that—despite the need—gay and bisexual men are still banned from donating blood.
Trump Wages War on the Affordable Care Act in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The president is urging the federal judiciary to invalidate the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA).
If successful, 20 million people could lose health insurance; 135 million people with preexisting conditions—including cancer, pregnancy and diabetes—will lose desperately needed protections; and 12 million seniors will pay more for prescription drugs.
The last thing we should do is make it harder for these groups to access the care they need.
“Wear Makeup and Office Clothes,” “Don’t Nag Husband,” Malaysia Advises Women Sheltering-in-Place
On March 18, the Malaysian Ministry of Women and Family Development issued a series of infographics with advice like: Don’t nag your husband. Refrain from being “sarcastic” if asked for help with household chores. Dress up and wear makeup in the home.
The Mother of All Burdens: COVID-19 and Physician Parents
“As practicing physicians with small children at home, we both understand all parents are scrambling to find childcare and set up home schooling to continue their children’s education during the shutdown—while trying to work from home. This disproportionately affects female physicians, as they spend 8.5 more hours per week on domestic activities than male counterparts.