A homeless woman in Portland, Oregon, gave birth in her tent while struggling with fentanyl addiction and lack of prenatal care. Despite repeated calls for assistance from first responders, she declined treatment and housing. The incident highlights the ongoing fentanyl crisis and the need for comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals.
Abortion bans and restrictions are having a profound impact on pregnancy care in the United States, leading to unnecessary c-sections, delayed miscarriage care, increased and/or limited prenatal testing, restricted treatment for life-threatening pregnancies, and increased cost of care. These changes have significant implications for women’s health and well-being, as well as for their ability to make decisions about their own bodies.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget to provide pregnant women with an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care. The budget also includes financial incentives for hospitals to reduce unnecessary C-sections, eliminates cost-sharing for certain pregnancy-related expenses, and invests $37 billion in Medicaid to support the state’s healthcare system. Additionally, the budget prohibits hospitals from suing low-income patients, expands hospital financial assistance programs, and limits medical debt collections.
