NPR's "All Things Considered" on Thursday examined how the ongoing economic downturn is affecting women's use of family planning services. NPR reports that Planned Parenthood clinics and other providers of family planning services and abortions have seen "firsthand the effects of the economy on women in all age groups and income levels," with many clinics reporting an increase in the number of clients seeking their services in recent months. Although family planning clinics in the past primarily have served young women ages 18 to 24, the clinics are now seeing a greater number of older clients, many of whom do not have health insurance, NPR reports. Nancy Boothe of the Feminist Women's Health Center in Atlanta, Ga., which has experienced an increase in clients, said, "It's a time when families are looking at family size and how much they can provide." The increase in clients includes women seeking no-cost birth control, middle-class women who have forgone preventive care because of costs, older women who are without insurance for the first time and women with questions about abortion. Boothe said, "We've seen some people who said that they didn't really think that they would ever be making this decision, but recognize that this is a time when they have to think about taking care of the families they have."
According to Boothe, the number of abortions performed at her Atlanta clinic has not increased. However, Planned Parenthood of Illinois reported that its clinics in January performed the highest number of abortions in its history. Steve Trombley, CEO of PPIL, said the clinics provide critical services in smaller Illinois communities that have experienced layoffs and other effects of the economic downturn. According to Trombley, there are "whole communities where people are suddenly being closed off from access to health care, and they rely on the social safety net that we're a part of." Trombley said, "I think it's understandable that people who face an unintended pregnancy are weighing their decision about what they want to do about it." He added that it is "a very different decision today than it was a year ago to expand your family and to have a child." Cobb Pregnancy Services in Marietta, Ga. -- which does not provide abortions or abortion referrals -- also has reported a rise in the number of people seeking no-cost pregnancy tests or ultrasounds. According to Lori Parker, the center's director, many clients or their partners recently became unemployed and are in need of basic assistance. Parker said her staff attempts to provide food, formula and diapers for these clients "because we want those babies taken care of."
According to many family planning service providers, the high cost of contraceptives is one issue that can lead to unintended pregnancies. Some women pay as much as $60 for a one-month supply of birth control pills, and as a result, many cannot afford the contraceptives. In addition, women in rural areas often face transportation challenges when attempting to visit clinics. Susan Wicklund, physician and owner of the Mountain Country Women's Clinic in Livingston, Mont., said, "One of the biggest hurdles that women are having … is trying to find money for gas, trying to find transportation, in some way, shape or form to get here." According to NPR, 41 states allocate funding to assist women in paying for transportation, abortion, child care and sometimes counseling. However, Medicaid covers abortion costs in only 15 states, which leaves many low-income women with limited options. The National Network of Abortion Funds, which raises funds to help pay for abortion-related costs, has reported an increased need for its services in recent months, according to the network's executive director. For example, calls to the group's affiliates increased by at least 50% in January compared with last fall. According to NPR, some antiabortion-rights advocates are concerned that the economic downturn will lead more women with unintended pregnancies to seek abortions. NPR reports that "there's also fear that women will put off their decision until the second or third trimester, when the cost is even higher -- and the procedure is more difficult" (Lohr, "All Things Considered," NPR, 3/20).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 26 июля 2011 г.
вторник, 19 июля 2011 г.
AICR Reminds Mothers Of Additional Breastfeeding Benefit: Cancer Protection
As World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) draws to a close, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) urges new mothers to consider one more benefit to breastfeeding their babies: added cancer protection for mother and child.
"AICR is the first cancer organization to issue an official recommendation advocating breastfeeding in order to decrease risk of developing cancer," said AICR Nutritionist Sarah Wally, MS RD.
Based on evidence collected in AICR's landmark expert report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, women are advised to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods as appropriate.
Research Reveals Protective Benefits
The evidence examined by AICR's international panel of experts showed, convincingly, that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. The research also finds that breastfeeding probably decreases the likelihood that a child will be overweight (at least during the early years of childhood).
Protection from weight gain is of particular importance, as childhood overweight tends to continue into adulthood, where excess body fat is closely linked to cancer development.
According to experts, hormonal changes in a woman's body and physical changes in breast tissue cells are likely responsible for the added protection seen in mothers. Infants' benefits are gained from the chemical composition of breast milk as well as the promotion of self-regulated feeding that is a natural part of the breastfeeding process.
AICR is proud to stand with other national and international health organizations this week, including UNICEF, WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in celebrating the benefits - both physical and emotional - that are gained through breastfeeding.
AICR also acknowledges that some women are not able or may prefer not to breastfeed. These women can benefit from other lifestyle changes that the comprehensive AICR report found to be protective, among them: increased physical activity, minimal consumption of alcohol (if any at all), and maintaining a healthy weight.
Free Brochure Offers Research-Based Advice to New Mothers
In observation of World Breastfeeding Week, AICR is offering it's latest free brochure, What You Should Know About Breastfeeding . The 12-page brochure summarizes AICR's recommendation regarding exclusive breastfeeding and cancer prevention, explains the science behind the recommendation in clear, concise language and provides frequently asked questions on common breastfeeding concerns.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, aicr. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.
American Institute for Cancer Research
"AICR is the first cancer organization to issue an official recommendation advocating breastfeeding in order to decrease risk of developing cancer," said AICR Nutritionist Sarah Wally, MS RD.
Based on evidence collected in AICR's landmark expert report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, women are advised to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods as appropriate.
Research Reveals Protective Benefits
The evidence examined by AICR's international panel of experts showed, convincingly, that breastfeeding protects women against both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. The research also finds that breastfeeding probably decreases the likelihood that a child will be overweight (at least during the early years of childhood).
Protection from weight gain is of particular importance, as childhood overweight tends to continue into adulthood, where excess body fat is closely linked to cancer development.
According to experts, hormonal changes in a woman's body and physical changes in breast tissue cells are likely responsible for the added protection seen in mothers. Infants' benefits are gained from the chemical composition of breast milk as well as the promotion of self-regulated feeding that is a natural part of the breastfeeding process.
AICR is proud to stand with other national and international health organizations this week, including UNICEF, WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in celebrating the benefits - both physical and emotional - that are gained through breastfeeding.
AICR also acknowledges that some women are not able or may prefer not to breastfeed. These women can benefit from other lifestyle changes that the comprehensive AICR report found to be protective, among them: increased physical activity, minimal consumption of alcohol (if any at all), and maintaining a healthy weight.
Free Brochure Offers Research-Based Advice to New Mothers
In observation of World Breastfeeding Week, AICR is offering it's latest free brochure, What You Should Know About Breastfeeding . The 12-page brochure summarizes AICR's recommendation regarding exclusive breastfeeding and cancer prevention, explains the science behind the recommendation in clear, concise language and provides frequently asked questions on common breastfeeding concerns.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, aicr. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.
American Institute for Cancer Research
вторник, 12 июля 2011 г.
ACLU Asks State, Federal Officials To Investigate Oregon-Based Abstinence-Only Sex Education Program's Use Of Public Funds
The American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon have sent letters to HHS and the Oregon Department of Human Services, respectively, asking the agencies to investigate whether a Eugene, Ore.-based abstinence-only sex education program used public funds for religious purposes, the Eugene Register-Guard reports. The ACLU said the Lane Pregnancy Support Center is unconstitutionally using public funds for its "Stop and Think" program because it requires that all program presenters "hold particular religious beliefs."
According to the Register-Guard, the Northern Hills Pregnancy Care Center in Spearfish, S.D., in 2002 signed a contract with the "Stop and Think" program that required presenters and supervisors of its curriculum "possess an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ." The contract further stipulated that presenters "possess knowledge of the word of God and the ability to communicate its truth; exhibit a loving and merciful spirit; (and) attend a Bible-believing local church or fellowship," the Register-Guard reports.
Jann Carson, associate director of ACLU of Oregon, in a May 2 letter to the state human services department -- said, "Both the federal and Oregon constitutions are violated when a direct grant of government dollars funds specifically religious activities." The ACLU has asked state and federal officials to launch an immediate investigation and to stop "the flow of funds to grantees who have used them unlawfully." The ACLU added that it will pursue possible legal action if an appropriate response is not made by the end of the month.
Brick Lantz, president of the center's board of directors, said he is not sure how or why the Northern Hills contract included the disputed language. He added that presenters are barred from discussing God or religion during their presentations.
"The ACLU has launched a national campaign to shut down abstinence education programs," Kristin Hansen -- spokesperson for CareNet, a national network of pregnancy counseling centers that opposes abortion rights -- said, adding, "Clearly, their concern lies in forwarding an anti-religious agenda rather than promoting programs that benefit the health and well-being of our nation's youth." Carson said that people of faith have a right to promote their message, but the "question becomes, what is appropriate use of taxpayer dollars in delivering a message?" (Wright, Eugene Register-Guard, 5/15).
The ACLU letter, the ACLU of Oregon letter and the Northern Hills Pregnancy Care Center contract are available online. Note: You need Adobe Acrobat to view the documents.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
According to the Register-Guard, the Northern Hills Pregnancy Care Center in Spearfish, S.D., in 2002 signed a contract with the "Stop and Think" program that required presenters and supervisors of its curriculum "possess an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ." The contract further stipulated that presenters "possess knowledge of the word of God and the ability to communicate its truth; exhibit a loving and merciful spirit; (and) attend a Bible-believing local church or fellowship," the Register-Guard reports.
Jann Carson, associate director of ACLU of Oregon, in a May 2 letter to the state human services department -- said, "Both the federal and Oregon constitutions are violated when a direct grant of government dollars funds specifically religious activities." The ACLU has asked state and federal officials to launch an immediate investigation and to stop "the flow of funds to grantees who have used them unlawfully." The ACLU added that it will pursue possible legal action if an appropriate response is not made by the end of the month.
Brick Lantz, president of the center's board of directors, said he is not sure how or why the Northern Hills contract included the disputed language. He added that presenters are barred from discussing God or religion during their presentations.
"The ACLU has launched a national campaign to shut down abstinence education programs," Kristin Hansen -- spokesperson for CareNet, a national network of pregnancy counseling centers that opposes abortion rights -- said, adding, "Clearly, their concern lies in forwarding an anti-religious agenda rather than promoting programs that benefit the health and well-being of our nation's youth." Carson said that people of faith have a right to promote their message, but the "question becomes, what is appropriate use of taxpayer dollars in delivering a message?" (Wright, Eugene Register-Guard, 5/15).
The ACLU letter, the ACLU of Oregon letter and the Northern Hills Pregnancy Care Center contract are available online. Note: You need Adobe Acrobat to view the documents.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
вторник, 5 июля 2011 г.
Most Inter-Sex Females Do Not Require Vaginal Reconstruction, Hopkins Study Shows
Dispelling a common myth, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center say vaginal reconstruction should be a matter of preference for most teens or adult women born with a type of inter-sex condition marked by the presence of both female and male genitals. The findings of the research are being presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 in San Francisco.
Women with complete androgen insensitivity are born with relatively shallow vaginas that may or may not require surgical repair and with undescended testes that do require removal.
Vaginal surgery, if needed or wanted, should be done after puberty, when physical development is complete and a girl or a woman is mature enough to make a decision, researchers say.
"It is a common misconception in the general public -- and quite often among doctors -- that most girls born with this condition should have vaginal reconstruction in order to be sexually active," says lead investigator Todd Purves, M.D. Ph.D., a urologist at Hopkins Children's. "Our findings show that, on the contrary, most young women choose not to have the surgery, have vaginal depths that are within normal parameters and can lead active sexual lives."
In their study of 29 women born with the syndrome, researchers found that 38 percent chose to have vaginal surgery. Comparing those who had surgery with those who did not, researchers found that both groups had similar rates of sexual activity: Eighty percent of those who chose not to have surgery were sexually active, compared to 70 percent of those who had surgery.
"As surgeons, we need to make sure that the parents of babies with this disorder understand that their daughter may not even need vaginal surgery, and if she does, it is a decision that should wait until after adolescence," Purves says.
Gender identity in women born with this condition is almost always female.
Co-investigators in the study: Jennifer Miles-Thomas, M.D., Claude Midgeon, M.D., and John P. Gearhart, M.D., all of Hopkins.
Source: Katerina Pesheva
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Women with complete androgen insensitivity are born with relatively shallow vaginas that may or may not require surgical repair and with undescended testes that do require removal.
Vaginal surgery, if needed or wanted, should be done after puberty, when physical development is complete and a girl or a woman is mature enough to make a decision, researchers say.
"It is a common misconception in the general public -- and quite often among doctors -- that most girls born with this condition should have vaginal reconstruction in order to be sexually active," says lead investigator Todd Purves, M.D. Ph.D., a urologist at Hopkins Children's. "Our findings show that, on the contrary, most young women choose not to have the surgery, have vaginal depths that are within normal parameters and can lead active sexual lives."
In their study of 29 women born with the syndrome, researchers found that 38 percent chose to have vaginal surgery. Comparing those who had surgery with those who did not, researchers found that both groups had similar rates of sexual activity: Eighty percent of those who chose not to have surgery were sexually active, compared to 70 percent of those who had surgery.
"As surgeons, we need to make sure that the parents of babies with this disorder understand that their daughter may not even need vaginal surgery, and if she does, it is a decision that should wait until after adolescence," Purves says.
Gender identity in women born with this condition is almost always female.
Co-investigators in the study: Jennifer Miles-Thomas, M.D., Claude Midgeon, M.D., and John P. Gearhart, M.D., all of Hopkins.
Source: Katerina Pesheva
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
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