AUSTIN, Texas - New abortion measures are set to begin this fall in Texas. However, those opposed are expected to mount a legal challenge before they go into effect, saying they would place an undue burden on women seeking services. Part of the law requires an abortion provider to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. The vast majority of providers currently do not.

Amy Hagstrom Miller, president and CEO, Whole Woman's Health, warned that it will prove difficult for the providers to obtain privileges because, for one thing, some hospitals are owned by religious organizations.

"Secondarily," Miller said, "you've got the (state) restrictions around the women's health care Medicaid program that say if any physician has an 'affiliation with abortion,' they can't participate in the Medicaid program. So, hospitals are nervous about granting abortion providers privileges because they're worried that they won't be able to participate in the Medicaid program."

Whole Woman's Health operates five clinics in Texas and is the only provider within hundreds of miles for some women. The organization will remain open for now.

Another measure that could be challenged in court says abortions must be performed at ambulatory surgical centers. Janet Crepps, senior counsel, Center for Reproductive Rights, said that requirement would force a lot of clinics to close, causing more danger for women. She said that requirement is unneeded, since abortion is one of the safest medical procedures in the country.

"The Supreme Court has said that the state can further its interest in maternal health only if the requirements are necessary and don't place a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking abortions," Crepps said. "The ambulatory surgical center [requirement] fails on both counts."

The ambulatory surgical center requirement is set to take effect next year. The other measures are to begin this October - including a ban on abortion after 20 weeks, which Crepps said also violates a Supreme Court ruling that states cannot prevent women from getting abortions prior to viability. "And similar restrictions have been challenged in other states," she adds. "In two states, it has been held unconstitutional, and in another state, the court has issued a preliminary injunction saying that the law is likely unconstitutional."

Regardless of how the lawsuit plays out, Miller noted that clinics will continue to face attacks from those who want to see them shut down - attacks such as the mailings sent to her staff, offering them cash to turn whistle-blower.

"It is a very difficult environment to feel like you can provide care without getting worried," Miller said. "Some of our physicians are always worried that 'Is this patient a real patient? Is she a plant? Is she coming into the clinic with a camera? Is she recording what I say?' Because all of these things have been done by our opposition."

Instead of restricting access to abortion, Miller added, lawmakers should look at ways to reduce unplanned pregnancies.

Gov. Rick Perry said the new measures will give voice to the unborn and improve the quality of care women receive.

This story was produced with original reporting from Jordan Smith of "The Austin Chronicle." The complete article is available at www.austinchronicle.com.







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After more than 50 years of use, some Michigan lawmakers say naloxone may not be the best choice in an overdose situation.

Naloxone is sometimes called the "Lazarus drug" because of its powerful ability to seemingly resurrect people after a drug overdose.

Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and some of his colleagues have introduced a bill which would open the door for what they say are more costly, but more powerful, antidotes.

"Given the prevalence of fentanyl in our communities, and how much stronger some of these drugs that we're now seeing are, we believe -- and in talking with others -- that there should be other tools to respond to an overdose," Hertel explained. "To make sure we're doing everything we can to save somebody's life."

Not everyone is on board with the proposed legislation, Senate Bill 542. Opponents argued the more expensive naloxone alternatives are not necessary, and using them would only increase profits for the pharmaceutical industry.

Jonathan Stoltman, director of the Opioid Policy Institute in Grand Rapids, said while the naloxone alternatives do help in overdose situations, they can also cause nasty side effects.

"The newer approaches, they put people into more severe withdrawal," Stoltman pointed out. "That's a pretty profound negative side effect. The one approach is very inexpensive and works great; the other approach is far more expensive and has this strong negative side effect."

Sponsors of the bill say they're hoping to give Michigan residents a chance to chime in on the issue in a public hearing sometime in June. Michigan saw more than 3,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2021.


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New Mexico saw record enrollment numbers for the Affordable Care Act this year and is now setting its sights on lowering out-of-pocket costs - those not reimbursed by insurance. More than 56,000 New Mexicans are enrolled in a medical health insurance plan on the state exchange - an increase of 12,000 people overall.

Colin Baillio, deputy superintendent with the state's Office of Insurance, said the state has boosted its outreach and made efforts to improve the overall consumer experience.

"We saw a 40% year-over-year increase, and New Mexico saw the biggest percentage increase during the open-enrollment period among all of the state-based marketplaces," he explained

Part of the enrollment increase is due to what's called the "unwinding" - a federal directive that required all states to redetermine Medicaid eligibility following a three-year pause on checks during the COVID pandemic. He said by using expanded tools made available by the federal and state government, 8% of New Mexico's population is now uninsured - down from 23% in 2010.

Following approval by lawmakers in the 2024 legislative session, the New Mexico governor signed seven health care-related bills into law - one of which requires annual reporting of prescription drug pricing. Baililo said the Affordable Care Act built the foundation that has allowed the state to pursue additional affordability initiatives.

"I'm really glad to see that there's so much interest in the next step of health reform, really leaning into these out-of-pocket cost issues and making it easier for people to afford to stay covered and see their doctors," he continued.

Two years ago, the state also passed a one-of-a-kind law that did away with behavioral health co-pays for people in certain insurance plans.

New York's medical aid-in-dying bill is gaining further support. The Medical Society of the State of New York is supporting the bill. New York's bill allows terminally ill people with only six months to live to use this option, with safeguards requiring two physicians' approval.

The bill's Assembly sponsor Amy Paulin, D-Westchester, said despite the growing support, other hurdles lie ahead.

"Now we have what I believe, if it came to the floor, a majority. There's still a hesitation on the part of leadership. You know, we need members to assure leadership that they no longer have reservations," she said.

Other newly resolved concerns center on making sure insurance companies and doctors who don't support this aren't held liable. She's optimistic the bill will pass after nine years in the Legislature. New York would be the 11th state along with Washington, D.C. to have medical aid in dying legislation.

Corinne Carey, senior New York campaign director with Compassion and Choices finds the pandemic drew a vivid picture of a person's end-of-life experience. There were images of people dying on ventilators, apart from loved ones, and unable to communicate. She said people began thinking about a "good death."

"And, what is a good death is being surrounded by loved ones, having some measure of control, experiencing the touch of your loved ones, and being the one in the driver's seat," she explained.

Now people have different options for end-of-life care, each of which presents various challenges. Polls show medical aid in dying has garnered considerable support since being introduced in 2015. A 2022 Compassion and Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying professionally, although fewer support it personally.