Women's Issues / Public News Service

The California Civil Rights Department website includes tips on how to file a complaint under state LGBTQ+ antidiscrimination laws. (Leonidkos/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Fighting discrimination on LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day

Today is LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day and California advocates are speaking out against federal attacks on workplace protections. On his first …

Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, was Minnesota House speaker from 2019 to early 2025. In this spring's legislative session, through a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans, Hortman was named Speaker Emerita and DFL leader in the Minnesota House. (Photo courtesy Hortman's Facebook page)

Rep. Melissa Hortman leaves lasting legacy for women in MN politics

Fighting for a wide range of people with a skill for compromise, is how Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, is being remembered for following her …

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, thousands of Arkansans could lose Medicaid coverage because of work requirements. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

AR residents could lose Medicaid under budget reconciliation bill

As Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs for what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan…

Nationwide, nearly 70% of rural counties lack a single obstetric hospital, according to a 2024 March of Dimes report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

End of hospital emergency abortion care rule will affect rural KY women

Abortion rights advocates in Kentucky are concerned as the Department of Health and Human Services has revoked a policy requiring hospitals to provide…

The temporary permitting process at Hobbs State Park includes specific collection zones, boundaries and safety requirements. Only dead trees impacted by the 2024 storm may be removed. (Kit Leong/Adobe Stock)

Firewood permits available for Arkansas' Hobbs Park

As the cleanup effort continues at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area in Rogers, officials with Arkansas State Parks have authorized a temporary …

Ohio allocates 85 cents per capita for domestic violence services, less than all five surrounding states, which range from $1.31 to $3.06 per person. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio domestic violence prevention programs face funding concerns

The federal budget proposal now being hashed out in Congress would significantly reduce funding for programs aiming to prevent domestic violence and a…

Some 17% of students surveyed said they felt like they could not express their opinion on a subject at least a couple of times a week because of how fellow students, a professor or the administration would respond. (Gatot/Adobe Stock)

Report: TX college students feel free speech is targeted

Texas colleges are getting mixed marks when it comes to protecting free speech on campus. The College Free Speech Rankings include survey results …

Violence against clinics decreased significantly after the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act was enacted. (Your Hand Please/Adobe Stock)

Michigan legislation targets violence against patients, abortion providers

By Alyssa Burr for the Michigan Independent.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Michigan Independent-Pu…

Screening represents Mississippi's most severe failing in national rankings, as the state missed all six benchmarks for identifying maternal mental health needs, mirroring national struggles. (Pixabay/TC Torres)

Report: MS gets failing grade for maternal mental-health support

Mississippi ranks among the worst states for maternal mental health care, receiving an 'F' on a new national report card, far below the national …

Summer food feeding sites can be found by texting

AR summer food programs prepare to feed students

With the start of summer, organizations across Arkansas are ramping up programs to ensure kids have access to healthy food. The No Kid Hungry …

Landfill regulations are managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. In Harris County, 78% of the methane emissions come from three privately owned landfills over which the city has no jurisdiction. (rob245/Adobe Stock)

Houston officials look at options for growing trash problem

By Elena Bruess for Houston Landing.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Houston Landing/MIT Climate Change Engage…

Maryland passed a pay equity law in 2016 which dramatically expanded equal pay across the state.(Adobe Stock)<br />

Labor laws meant to 'protect' women benefitted men, study finds

A new study from Northwestern University examining the history of labor laws for women said men ultimately benefited from laws meant to protect women …

Only about 25% of the 1 million women in the United States experiencing a mental health crises during pregnancy or postpartum receive treatment. (Adobe Stock)

Postpartum depression rates, treatment higher among Medicaid recipients

Perinatal experts said postpartum depression is more common than most people think and those covered by Medicaid are at higher risk. Two of every …

According to USA Facts, 28 is the average age a woman in Indiana gets married. (Adobe Stock)

Study shows marriage habits straying from traditional patterns

Women college graduates are not sticking to traditional compatibility traits when choosing a husband, according to one study. Preferences are …

The Episcopal Health Foundation says the goal of the Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative is to improve and strengthen the effectiveness of existing health-focused coalitions and collaboratives. (ILIA/Adobe Stock)

Assistance available for TX coalitions fighting health disparities

Starting next week, the Episcopal Health Foundation will be accepting applications for its next "Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative" to …

While the pandemic amplified alcohol misuse among women, a trend of increased misuse dates back to at least 2019, when 32% of high school girls reported drinking, compared with 26% of boys. (Adobe Stock)

Officials encourage Colorado women to rethink relationship with alcohol

Women in Colorado and across the U.S. face greater health risks from drinking than men and health officials are urging people to rethink their …

In Illinois, laws like the Illinois Equal Pay Act and Pregnancy Discrimination Act serve to uphold equal pay, protections and accommodations for working women across the state. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Study: Past protective labor laws for women benefited men

A new Northwestern University study examining the history of labor laws for women says men ultimately benefited from laws meant to protect women in th…

Ohio's federal victim service funding dropped 77% from $117M in 2018 to $26M in 2024, forcing rape crisis centers to rely heavily on state support. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates call to protect survivor services

Advocates are urging Ohio lawmakers to preserve critical funding for rape crisis centers in the upcoming state budget. The request comes amid deep …

Many states, including Maryland, received their worst grades for maternal mental-health care in the category of screenings. (Adobe Stock)

MD fares well for maternal mental health, but work remains

Maryland ranks better than many states for the quality of its maternal mental-health care - but it could be doing more. Maryland receives a "C" …

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that for the first time in history, women are now binge drinking more than men. (Roman/Adobe Stock)

Women contribute to NM's high alcohol-related death rate

Problem drinking among women is on the rise, according to the National Institutes of Health, and New Mexico is no exception. In the past two decades…

Texas women face rising health risks with excessive alcohol use

As research shows alcohol consumption among women is on the rise nationwide, health experts are voicing concern about the risks those in Texas and …

Nothing to party about: More than 11 million women, or about 8.7% of those 18 or older, had alcohol use disorder in 2023. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

The female face of alcohol misuse in Michigan

As Women's Health Month wraps up, the focus shifts to the rising concern of alcohol misuse among women, in Michigan and nationwide. According to …

The five-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in Wisconsin increased by as much as 51.4% from 2015 to 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Experts say effects of alcohol greater on women than on men

As Women's Health Month comes to an end, public health officials are urging Wisconsin women to be aware of the increased risks they face from any …

The average annual rate of stroke for the Medicare population in Arkansas is 4.1%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.7%. (ilovecoffeedesign/Adobe Stock)

AR stroke rate higher than national average

As end of American Stroke Month nears, officials want Arkansans to know their stroke risks. According to a registry from the Arkansas Department of …

Alcohol-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths have increased more sharply among women than men over the past 20 years. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio clinician flags neurological risk tied to alcohol use in women

As Women's Health Month wraps up, health experts are voicing concerns about the growing number of women who drink too much, especially in light of …

The five-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita in Illinois increased by as much as 52% from 2015 to 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Evidence shows alcohol affects women more gravely than it does men

As Women's Health Month comes to an end, public health officials are urging Illinois women to be aware of the increased risks they face from any …

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable death among women, contributing to nearly 59,000 deaths annually in the United States. (chika_milan/Adobe Stock)

Alcohol misuse growing among women in Missouri, nation

As Women's Health Month draws to a close, the focus in on the growing issue of alcohol misuse among women in Missouri and across the nation. Research …

Studies show even small amounts of alcohol may increase a woman's risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause lifelong developmental challenges. (Pixabay)

Women face rising health risks with alcohol use

As alcohol consumption among women rises nationwide, Florida health experts are voicing concern about the unique risks women face, from increased …

Research shows less than one ounce of alcohol each day is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. (encierro/Adobe Stock)

WA expert weighs in on higher rates of women binge drinking

As Women's Health Month winds down, experts in alcohol abuse are speaking out about an increase in binge drinking among women over the past five …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9% of women have an alcohol use disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Alcohol emerges as prominent health concern for women

As Women's Health Month winds down, public health officials in Minnesota are joining the chorus of professionals warning about the prevalence of …

Binge drinking for women is defined as consuming more than four alcoholic beverages in a 2-3 hour window or eight alcoholic beverages in the course of a week. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

During Women’s Health Month, experts highlight alcohol abuse

As Women's Health Month winds down, experts in alcohol abuse are speaking out about an increase in binge drinking among women over the past five …

Medicaid covers more births in rural areas than metro ones, at 47% and 40% respectively, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Oleg Breslavtsev/Adobe Stock)

Three Montana counties top U.S. list for moms’ reliance on Medicaid

Montana mothers and could-be moms rely more on Medicaid than in other states, and would be harder hit by proposed cuts to the program. More than 30%…

For rural hospitals that are able to stay afloat, the report notes a decline in obstetrical services. (Misha/Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural OR depends on Medicaid to cover childbirth

Oregon is one of the top ten states with the highest share of women of childbearing age covered by Medicaid in rural areas. That's according to a new …

A new study calls on the state to relax certain non-safety-related building codes to make it easier for birth centers to comply. (Kindred Space L.A.)

New CA bill would make birth centers available to more low-income families

California lawmakers are considering a bill to ease regulations on birth centers at a time when maternity wards are closing in many counties…

Nationally, more than 23% of women of childbearing age in rural areas are covered by Medicaid, compared to 20.5% of women in metro areas. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could restrict access to rural Utah maternity care

Congressional leaders are looking at major cuts to Medicaid and health care advocates said the proposed changes would be keenly felt by rural Utahns w…

In 2022, one in three SNAP participants in Ohio was a child, and more than 250,000 were seniors. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders warn SNAP cuts could overwhelm state budget, food banks

Ohio advocates said proposed federal cuts to SNAP could force the state to absorb hundreds of millions in costs, threatening food access for families…

On a single day in 2024, Ohio domestic violence hotlines received 636 contacts, or nearly 27 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Hundreds turned away as OH domestic violence shelters face budget pressures

A new report showed programs serving domestic violence survivors in Ohio are stretched thin, with hundreds of people who need help being turned away …

According to the Pew Research Center, the Black immigrant population will account for roughly one-third of the U.S. Black population's growth through 2060. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Black immigrant population grows throughout Arkansas, nation

Studies show one in 10 Black people in the U.S. is an immigrant and immigrants' advocates said they face significant challenges blending into the …

On average, women who live in rural Illinois will travel more than 17 miles for care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Medicaid cuts risk maternity care for rural Illinois

In Illinois, more than one in five rural women of childbearing age rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the Georgetown University …

Medicaid covered more than 40% of births nationwide and nearly half of all births in rural areas, in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts would affect AZ rural maternity care

President Donald Trump is urging some of his colleagues to "not mess with Medicaid," even as hard-liners call for steeper cuts to the health care prog…

The Medicaid safety net program covers more than 70 million low-income and disabled Americans. (Singh/Adobe Stock)

NM's outsized reliance on Medicaid has advocates prepping for worst-case

Unprecedented cuts to Medicaid under consideration by lawmakers in Congress would be a heavy blow to New Mexico, where more than one-third of the …

Women of childbearing age make up nearly 20% of Alaska's population. Many live in areas not accessible by road, leaving them vulnerable to a loss of critical medical care under proposed cuts to federal social service programs, such as Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts would hobble rural Alaska health care

Proposed cuts to Medicaid would put hospitals in jeopardy in rural states, where health care services are already scarce, according to new research …

On average, more than 23% of rural women of childbearing age receive health care coverage through Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural women of childbearing age more often rely on Medicaid

A new report found women of childbearing age in rural areas rely more on Medicaid for health care coverage than their urban counterparts and cuts to M…

A report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University showed 23.3% of women of childbearing age in rural areas are covered by Medicaid. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

TX health care advocates say changes to Medicaid could affect expectant mothers

As members of Congress debate changes to Medicaid, advocates in Texas who work with people covered by the plan are concerned about potential …

Colorado's Bent and Crowley counties are among 20 counties nationwide where approximately half of women of childbearing age are covered by Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid critical for maternal and infant health in rural Colorado

Medicaid coverage is essential for the health of women and babies and efforts in Congress to curtail the program could disproportionately affect peopl…

According to a report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, labor and delivery is the top reason for a hospital stay nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Report: Proposed Medicaid changes could hurt AR expectant mothers

Changes to Medicaid being proposed by members of Congress could have a significant effect on women in Arkansas who are of childbearing age, according …

Gallup, New Mexico, has a disproportionately high number of

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

The FBI has said it will add resources in 10 states including New Mexico to tackle unresolved crimes, with a focus on those related to missing and …

Last week, patients, providers and advocates rallied against Medicaid cuts in front of Dignity Health Mercy Hospital in Folsom, Calif. (CCHI)

Advocates warn proposed Medi-Cal cuts could harm rural maternity care

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is hashing out last-minute details of a huge funding bill which could come to a floor vote this wee…

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