- Nearly two years after Texas’ six-week abortion ban went into effect, the state’s infant mortalities spiked by over 10 percent in 2022, according to preliminary data obtained by CNN. Texas’ ban, which was the strictest in the U.S. at the time of its enactment, may be driving the increase in infant deaths by forcing people to carry nonviable pregnancies to term. Maternal mortality rates have also been on the rise in Texas over the past two decades, increasing from 10.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1999 to 21.9 in 2019. (Articles here and here)
- A key COVID-19 telehealth flexibility would be extended through legislation that a House committee advanced Wednesday. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 on a 29-20 vote. The bill would permanently allow employers to offer coverage of telehealth services separate from group health insurance plans. (Article here)
July 31, 2023
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