Women's Issues / Public News Service

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)

Thursday, May 22, 2025

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)

Thursday, May 22, 2025

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.)

Thursday, May 22, 2025

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…

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

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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 />

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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…

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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…

Gallup, New Mexico, has a disproportionately high number of

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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)

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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…

In 2022, the infant mortality rate in the United States was 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Report: Kentucky among highest in nation for rural women on Medicaid

Congress is considering a proposal to slash $880 billion in Medicaid funding and experts said the cuts would be devastating for maternal and infant he…

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)

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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 …

Experts: Medicaid cuts could worsen WV’s maternal mortality rate

Congress is considering a proposal to slash $880 billion in Medicaid funding and experts warn the cuts would be devastating for West Virginia women…

Some patients in rural Louisiana live 45 minutes to an hour away from the nearest hospital with an obstetrics department, a long way to drive in an emergency situation. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Expert: Medicaid cuts could cripple health care in rural Louisiana

As Congress debates the federal budget, House Republicans are looking to make deep cuts in the Medicaid program, which some experts warn could …

Opponents of a proof-of-citizenship bill before Texas lawmakers say many women in rural areas, who could get targeted by the bill, do not have a birth certificate matching their current last name. (Golib Tolibov/Adobe Stock AI)

Proposed proof-of-citizenship bill could impact all registered voters in Texas

Voting rights advocates in Texas are speaking out against a proof-of-citizenship bill before lawmakers. Senate Bill 16 would require new registrants …

Mothers lose out on an average of $16,516 on income annually because of inequitable caregiving responsibilities, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research. That totals $450 billion annually for all moms across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Moms spend 167% more time parenting than dads

Sunday is Mother's Day, and what moms may need most is a day off. Research shows that inequities persist in the amount of time moms and dads spend …

Since 2023, the caucus has secured more than $200 million in new Momnibus and maternal-health funding through the federal budget process. That money is now reaching community groups, universities, health providers and researchers nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

CORRECTION: State Reps. Morgan Cephas and Gina Curry are both members of the Democratic Party. A previous version of this story incorrectly …

Researchers said a new SkillsUSA and Northern Illinois University study is the most comprehensive to date on how many students are involved in apprenticeships, internships, courses and other work-based learning activities. (Adobe Stock)

IL apprenticeships on the rise but disparities remain

A new report shows Illinois youth now have more apprenticeship and internship opportunities, with an increase in women and minority participation but …

In Spring 2023, Arkansas created the Office of Early Childhood within the Arkansas Department of Education, which unifies the Arkansas early-childhood system. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

A report by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Arkansas needs to improve its reach with pre-K students. The state fell from …

Title X is the only federal program providing family planning and preventive health services, including contraception, cancer screenings and STI testing. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Many Missourians fear birth control access will decline

A recent poll shows widespread concern among Missourians about the future of birth control access. The survey from the Right Time Initiative reveals …

Residents of rural communities rely on Medicaid more than do their urban counterparts because of lower incomes, fewer private insurance options and higher unemployment rates. (ISKPRODUCTION/Adobe Stock)

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

Medicaid is a lifeline for many of New Mexico's families, making it one of six states that could be severely affected by cuts Congressional …

Sharla Fisher (center, above) says her cardiac challenges, which led to her having a pacemaker implanted, opened her eyes to women and heart disease. (Sharla Fisher)

AZ mom shares heart journey to encourage others to prioritize their health

Mother's Day is fast approaching and an Arizona mom wants women of all ages to make sure they are prioritizing their heart health. Nearly 45% of …

Americans' privacy protections have not kept pace with rapidly evolving surveillance technologies. (Liubomir/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ+ advocacy group pushes for new data privacy laws

Anyone who uses a cell phone or laptop shares hundreds of personal data points, and a New Mexico advocacy group wants that information better …

Lawmakers are considering several bills that would impact small farmers, including bills that would require country-of-origin labels and allow the sale of raw milk at farmers markets. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses

Members of a Texas House committee this week will consider a bill that would limit the number of permits farmers must have to participate at farmers m…

The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, with more than 50,000 women experience life-threatening complications due to labor and delivery each year. (Adobe Stock)

Maternal death outcomes drop, except for Black women

Today marks the last day of Black Maternal Health Week, a nationally and internationally recognized observance that serves to build community …

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Missouri mom shares heart failure survival story

Black Maternal Health Week runs through April 17th, and according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of maternal …

LGBTQ+ youths are nearly four times more likely to be victimized, and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unwanted sexual advances online. (Adobe Stock)

Research: One in seven Utah children is a victim of sexual abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and new research at Utah State University finds one in seven Utah children experiences sexual abuse --…

The proliferation of Airbnbs, luxury condos and barriers to homeownership contribute to the homeless crisis in the Black community, said Chama St. Louis of the National Black Worker Center. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Black residents in IL 8 times more likely to be homeless

Black residents in Illinois are almost eight times more likely to be homeless than white people, with lack of livable wages and affordable housing …

In 2024 alone, Ohio's rape crisis centers responded to more than 40,000 helpline calls and educated 95,000 Ohioans about sexual violence prevention efforts. (Talyr Ucker-Lauderman of OAESV)

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

More than 100 people came to the Ohio Statehouse to mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month late last week. As part of the 13th …

Residents of rural counties with a large share of tribal lands are more likely to rely on Medicaid for coverage for all age groups, including seniors, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. (Nailotl/Adobe Stock)

Federal budget cuts to Medicaid would significantly impact New Mexico

Nearly 800,000 people receiving Medicaid live in New Mexico, and a federal budget proposal could possibly cause major cuts to the program. Senate …

The U.S. Constitution specifies Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the president. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

A number of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to President Donald Trump's executive order which could reshape how U.S. elections are run and the …

While students work toward their pilots licenses at the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences in Denton, they also gain knowledge in subjects like aviation law, weather and aerodynamics. It is the only such program in the nation geared toward women. (Craig/Adobe Stock)

Texas Woman's University trains next generation of airline pilots

Registration is open for the next information session for the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences at Texas Woman's University in Denton, where …

More than 57% of Black women of reproductive age live in states with abortion bans or impending bans, according to polling by In Our Own Voice. (Adobe Stock)

Reproductive justice takes more than passing laws in Ohio, U.S.

By Jade Prévost-Manuel for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News …

Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

For 2025, 14 women's wildland firefighter boot camps were scheduled, including 12 with the U.S. Forest Service and one each with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. All have been canceled. (Adobe Stock)

Boot camps to fill wildland firefighter workforce shortage cut due to DEI

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

Common barriers to hiring and retaining federal wildland firefighters include low pay, mental health challenges and limited workforce diversity, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. (BLM Oregon and Washington/Wikimedia Commons)

Women’s wildland firefighting boot camps axed by new DEI policies

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

According to the Doula Advisory Group, as of February, 87 of Ohio's 88 counties had no doulas certified under the state's new program. (Adobe Stock)

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

Tensions are rising in Ohio between doulas and the state Board of Nursing, as only a small number of doulas have been able to be certified for …

Marissa Carpio with the Wyoming-based Equality State Policy Center estimated one of every 10 bills in Wyoming's 2025 legislative session were related to elections. (Adobe Stock)

Governor, critics call out 'boilerplate' bills from WY 2025 session

Gov. Mark Gordon has just a few days left to make final decisions on bills passed during the Wyoming legislative session. Both fair election …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

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PNS Daily Newscast: May 23, 2025

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Women's

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

Report: Rural OR depends on Medicaid to cover childbirth

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

Hundreds turned away as OH domestic violence shelters face budget pressures

Black immigrant population grows throughout Arkansas, nation

Report: Medicaid cuts risk maternity care for rural Illinois

Report: Medicaid cuts would affect AZ rural maternity care

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

Report: Medicaid cuts would hobble rural Alaska health care

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

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

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

Medicaid cuts could restrict access to rural Utah maternity care

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

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

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

Report: Kentucky among highest in nation for rural women on Medicaid

Report: Proposed Medicaid changes could hurt AR expectant mothers

Experts: Medicaid cuts could worsen WV’s maternal mortality rate

Expert: Medicaid cuts could cripple health care in rural Louisiana

Proposed proof-of-citizenship bill could impact all registered voters in Texas

Report: Moms spend 167% more time parenting than dads

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

IL apprenticeships on the rise but disparities remain

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

Survey: Many Missourians fear birth control access will decline

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

AZ mom shares heart journey to encourage others to prioritize their health

NM LGBTQ+ advocacy group pushes for new data privacy laws

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses

Maternal death outcomes drop, except for Black women

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Missouri mom shares heart failure survival story

Research: One in seven Utah children is a victim of sexual abuse

Black residents in IL 8 times more likely to be homeless

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

Federal budget cuts to Medicaid would significantly impact New Mexico

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

Texas Woman's University trains next generation of airline pilots

Reproductive justice takes more than passing laws in Ohio, U.S.

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

Boot camps to fill wildland firefighter workforce shortage cut due to DEI

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Women’s wildland firefighting boot camps axed by new DEI policies

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

Governor, critics call out 'boilerplate' bills from WY 2025 session

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce