Over discrepancies in the state’s anti-abortion laws. In 2021, Texas became the first state to pass a six-week abortion ban. It incentivizes private citizens to sue anyone — from providers to drivers — who helps someone get an abortion. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Texas's trigger law made most abortions a felony. Both laws make exceptions if the mother's life is in danger. Doctors who are found guilty of performing an abortion could lose their medical licenses, face thousands of dollars in fines, and up to 99 years in prison. The laws have left many medical professionals shaken up about whether they can provide abortion care. Now, five women are alleging a culture of “fear” led doctors to deny them proper health care and put their lives at risk.
Tell me more.
In the 92-page complaint, the five women said doctors denied them an abortion despite things like hemorrhaging or life-threatening infections. One woman said she became septic twice and was left with permanent physical damage. Another risked becoming septic after her water broke early and the membrane around her fetus broke, meaning it wouldn't survive. Three women said they were told their fetuses had little to no chance of survival and that continuing their pregnancies posed a risk to their health. The suit alleges all five women should have qualified for an abortion under the state's exceptions. Instead, four of them had to leave Texas to get the procedure.
What happens now?
The lawsuit isn’t looking to overturn Texas’s abortion ban. Instead, the women want Texas to clearly lay out the exceptions for an abortion and allow doctors to operate ”in good faith.” One of the women said it was important for her to share her story “because somebody is going to die eventually.” The Biden admin stood behind the lawsuit, saying women “should be in charge of their reproductive health care.” Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he'd do everything he can ”to protect mothers, families, and unborn children.” It comes as some states, like Florida, Nebraska, and Utah are looking to tighten their abortion restrictions.
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Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, there have been numerous legal fights over access to reproductive health care. Now, this lawsuit is putting a new spotlight on the potential long-lasting effects abortion bans can have on women's health.
President Biden. Yesterday, he announced a new funding plan for Medicare. More than 65 million Americans rely on the 65+ federal program for health coverage. Under current spending and tax levels and as more Americans grow older, the Medicare trust fund is set to run out by 2028. Now, Biden's proposing an update that he hopes could save the program. His plan would raise the Medicare tax from 3.8% to 5% on people bringing in more than $400,000 per year. The change could bring in more than $117 billion over the next 10 years. Biden's proposal would also allow Medicare to negotiate drug costs, saving the gov money. However, the president's plan isn’t expected to hold up in the House. Republicans — who hold a slim majority in the lower chamber — have argued that economic growth comes from tax cuts, not tax hikes. The proposal is part of a larger budget plan that Biden’s expected to release tomorrow.
WeightWatchers. Earlier this week, WW International announced it’s buying Sequence for $106 million. Sequence offers patients telehealth services with doctors who can prescribe weight-loss and diabetes drugs, like Ozempic. For more than 50 years, WeightWatchers has focused the conversation around weight loss on diet and exercise. Now, it's tapping medication as a supplement. The company's CEO said it has a responsibility “to support those interested in exploring if medications are right for them.” But some worry that companies are promoting drugs like Ozempic — which isn't approved for weight loss — as a quick fix.
Where there are updates…
Mexico. Yesterday, Mexican authorities said two of the four Americans kidnapped in Mexico were found dead. The other two were rescued and have returned to the US. The group was visiting Mexico because one person was going to undergo a medical procedure. Mexican officials believe the group's abduction was most likely a case of mistaken identity. At least one person is reportedly in custody. US officials said attacks on Americans are “unacceptable, no matter where.” Mexican officials have promised to continue looking for the perpetrators.
What's hit some turbulence...
JetBlue. Yesterday, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to stop JetBlue’s takeover of Spirit Airlines. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the planned merger would harm competition in the industry and hurt millions of Americans who rely on “ultra-low-cost carriers.” JetBlue's CEO said the DOJ's got it “wrong” and plans to move forward with the merger while the lawsuit plays out.
Here at theSkimm, we love testing products and then sharing what items are really worth it. Wondering what our editors are gushing about in the group chat? Here’s a little insight:
Today is International Women’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating women. There’s just one problem: Women need to be celebrated, supported, and acknowledged every day, not just today. And it’s about time we changed that. Stay tuned later this week as we unpack how we can get started, and why we need to redesign the systems so that women are seen, heard, and valued in all aspects of their lives.
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Pleasure serum from a brand that believes in orgasm equity.
This International Women’s Day, treat yourself with Vella’s CBD-based formula. It can help you climax more intensely and more frequently. During partner play and solo missions. Plus Skimm’rs get 30% off with code SKIMM30.*
2. Sneakers that feel like they’re made of marshmallows.
On the hunt for new kicks? Call off your search because Nike’s newest running shoes are their most-cushioned pair yet. Aaaand they provide lightweight support every step of the way.*
Nutrafol’s physician-formulated daily hair growth supplement has natural, medical-grade ingredients that target root (get it?) causes of hair thinning. Oh, and Skimm’rs get $15 off their first month.*
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
A love story…Samantha C (TX). She's part of a “Romeo & Juliet" theater production. The show has sold out half of their performances. Now, it's being live-streamed for the world. Tune in.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Lindsay Lange (NY), Jordan Castleman (PA), Allegra Ben-Amotz (MX), Nancee Martin (FL), Michael Trimm (FL), Kirbi Walters (SC), Jamie Hillman (AL), Caroline Hearn (SC), Sunita Ramnarinesingh (FL), Maria Karukas (CT), Danielle Keyser (LA), Jane Scheiner (NY), Madeline King (AL), Nora Rioux (CO), Eileen Wolejsza (NY)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Macy Alcido, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Rick Kern / Stringer via Getty Images, Brand Partners
