Infants died from birth defects at higher rates after Florida abortion bans
In 2023, the year that followed Florida’s initial 15-week abortion ban, the state saw an increase in the number of infants who died from lethal congenital anomalies or fatal birth defects before celebrating a first birthday. Indeed, infant mortality attributed to congenital anomalies in Florida jumped to its highest level in at least six years in October 2023, a little over a year after the state’s initial abortion ban went into effect, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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» Infant mortality rises sharply in Northeast Florida counties
Abortion amendment causes split with doctors. What does this mean for patients?
The politics of abortion and Amendment 4 have shined a light on rifts among medical practitioners across the state. Amendment 4 would enshrine abortion protections into the state constitution, and physicians of varying specialties have come out both for and against the measure. “Having practiced now for over 20 years, I can't think of anything else in the past that has become so political,” said Dr. Lynda Balint, an OB-GYN who teaches ethics in medicine at Rollins College in Winter Park. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
How did more than 460K children in Florida lose their Medicaid health benefits?
In Florida, more than 460,000 children lost their Medicaid health benefits after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some lost coverage by mistake. Others were supposed to get a low-cost replacement that never arrived like Aurora and Luna Day. Both sisters have serious medical conditions, and the legislature created a program to move them from state-run Medicaid (which covers children in lower income households) to an affordable alternative. [Source: Fox 13 News]
New Florida Medicaid director named
There’s a new face to Florida’s Medicaid program. Brian Meyer is now deputy secretary for Medicaid, the Agency for Health Care Administration website shows, which makes him the state’s Medicaid director. Meyer has been in the position since Oct. 7, AHCA Deputy Chief of Staff Alecia Collins told the Florida Phoenix in an email. He is paid $200,000 annually. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
‘Walking pneumonia’ is on the rise. What to know about infections in Florida
If your child has a wheezing cough, take note: There’s a rise in walking pneumonia in South Florida and across the country. “We’re no exception to the rule,” said Dr. Marcos Mestre, senior vice president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital near South Miami. The surge of respiratory infections this year caused by the common and contagious bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or M. pneumoniae, has affected people of all ages, but especially young children. [Source: Miami Herald]
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