Public Health News Roundup, March 19, 2025

by Jon Scaccia March 19, 2025

Make a Difference Immediately—Subscribe and Amplify!

Public health urgently needs informed advocates like you. Subscribe for free to our independently-funded weekly newsletter packed with expert insights and actionable opportunities. 🚀 Don’t hesitate! Share today and help us build a healthier, informed future!

After historic indictment, doctors will keep mailing abortion pills over state lines

The indictment of New York physician Margaret Carpenter for mailing abortion pills to a patient in Louisiana highlights the growing legal and ethical complexities surrounding telemedicine abortion access after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. While some states like New York are implementing “shield laws” to protect these medical practices, the case emphasizes the tense battle between states with contrasting abortion laws and the personal risks doctors face in continuing to provide vital reproductive health services across state lines.

After party rift on shutdown, California Democrats try to refocus budget fight on Medicaid

Following a recent political clash over government funding, leading California Democrats are now rallying to present a united front against proposed Republican budget cuts to Medicaid, warning these could devastate healthcare for low-income and vulnerable populations while favoring tax cuts for the wealthy. Amid criticisms that Democrats missed an earlier chance to capitalize on their leverage, figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi are refocusing efforts to showcase Medicaid as a national value, emphasizing the potential harm to millions—including children and rural communities—if the cuts proceed.

Clinicians Utilize Alternatives as Government Resources Shrink

With the government limiting access to critical medical data and research, healthcare professionals are increasingly turning to trusted organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians for updated guidance. This shift underscores the importance of independent, evidence-based resources in maintaining effective public health strategies and combating misinformation, particularly around vaccination.

Musk uses immigration and claims of voter fraud to sell Social Security Administration cuts

Elon Musk and the Trump administration are pushing for cuts to the Social Security Administration, arguing without evidence that undocumented immigrants are committing widespread fraud to access entitlements—a claim that has been widely debunked by experts. These proposed cuts focus on staffing reductions and limiting access to services, which could make it harder for eligible seniors and disabled Americans to receive their benefits, fueling public concern and criticism over the political motives behind these changes.

When speaking with vaccine-hesitant patients, pediatricians turn to these tips

This article highlights the urgent need for robust vaccination advocacy amid rising measles outbreaks, underscoring the role of healthcare providers in addressing vaccine hesitancy. With misinformation spreading rapidly, pediatricians are adopting empathetic, tailored communication strategies to help families understand the critical importance of vaccinations in preventing severe illnesses like the measles and safeguarding community health.

Why cheaper alternatives to weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound will be tougher to get

With the FDA tightening its regulations, many Americans who relied on affordable compounded versions of popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are now facing the stark reality of having to pay the hefty price tag of the name-brand versions, potentially limiting access to life-changing treatments for those struggling with obesity and related health issues. Despite efforts by companies and health care providers to navigate the restrictions and provide more affordable alternatives, the gap between drug availability and affordability highlights a pressing need for policy changes to ensure that essential medications are accessible to all, not just those who can afford them.

Wife of Tarpon Springs doctor slain in 2014 ordered to pay $200 million

In a high-profile civil case, a jury found Rebecca Schwartz liable for her husband’s wrongful death, awarding his children nearly $200 million, despite no criminal charges being filed against her for the gruesome 2014 murder. The case highlights her alleged financial motives, with accusations of embezzlement and a pending divorce, and underscores ongoing questions of justice, as her stepchildren hope for eventual criminal prosecution.