Menopause care often lacks doctor training and patient support. New legislation in California aims to improve education and access, especially for women of color facing systemic gaps in treatment.
Women's and Maternal Health
Lack of menopause research, especially for women of color, limits treatment. Advocates are pushing for more funding, with studies like SWAN working to close the gap.
Many with menopause symptoms miss treatment due to high costs and insurance denials. A California bill seeks to mandate coverage, challenging prior authorization barriers imposed by insurers.
The federal government is gutting programs shown to reduce overdose deaths and address the mental health crisis. Reporters in Mississippi are highlighting just how much is at stake.
Menopause symptoms are often dismissed, with many doctors lacking proper training. Lawmakers in California and other states are pushing for mandatory education to improve care and support for women.
"This is the story post-Dobbs, that people are doing everything within their power and expertise to make sure that people can still get care," said David Cohen, a law professor at Temple University.
A cash-assistance program for expectant moms and babies, which first began in Flint more than a year ago, is growing its reach to hundreds more families across Michigan.
"So much of what ails my children that I care for, so much of what makes people sick at a population level, the root cause is poverty," says Dr. Mona Hanna, the pediatrician who helped expose the Flint water crisis.mo
Iowa youth face a growing mental health crisis worsened by lack of early care, long wait times, and a broken system. Families only get help after crisis, prompting reform efforts.
Rx Kids gives cash aid to pregnant women and new moms in Michigan to fight poverty, ease stress and help with essentials like housing, food, and baby care.