What's Happening

Health

Dozens of Pregnant Patients Turned Away From ERs Post-Roe

What's going on: Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, more than 100 pregnant patients in medical distress have been turned away from emergency rooms or been treated “negligently,” according to an analysis by The Associated Press. The report detailed how two women miscarried in public restrooms after not receiving the proper care. Another woman, who visited an ER but was sent home, lost her fetus after going into septic shock. All this flies in the face of federal law — post-Roe, the Biden administration warned hospitals that they must offer abortions to save a patient’s health, despite state abortion bans. But doctors have struggled to implement this guidance as they balance the medical needs of patients against potential legal repercussions, which can include serving time in prison.

What it means: When a pregnant patient can’t get the care they need, their options become limited. The repercussions can jeopardize their health, their fertility, and even their lives. Patients may try to seek care in other states, if time, finances, and personal situations allow. Although federal laws offer some legal recourse, a Texas appeals court ruled that federal guidance can’t override the state’s abortion ban — and the Supreme Court didn’t resolve this issue when it had the chance this summer. Even in states where abortion is protected, staffing shortages are leading to harmful conditions and patients being turned away from hospitals, according to The AP. People in rural areas or those in “maternity care deserts” seem to be more at risk.

Related: IVF Threats Drive Clinics To Ship Out Embryos (NYT Gift Link)

Politics

After a Glitchy Start, Trump Delivers Stump Speech in Interview With Musk

What's going on: A billionaire and a convicted felon sat down for an interview last night. Former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk chatted on X (formerly Twitter) for over two hours. That’s after technical glitches delayed the live audio conversation by more than 40 minutes, giving many flashbacks to this choppy presidential announcement. (Musk blamed last night’s tech issues on a cyberattack but provided no evidence.) In his high-profile return to X, Trump recapped his assassination attempt, promised the largest deportation effort in US history if reelected, boasted about his relationship with foreign leaders like North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and repeated several falsehoods. Musk — who endorsed Trump — often praised the former president and seemed to even pitch himself as a potential Trump admin official. Their friendly chat played out as 1.3 million people listened in at one point, according to an X counter.

What it means: Last night’s conversation gave Trump a large platform to deliver his talking points at a time when he’s trying to regain momentum in the presidential election. Since the Harris-Walz ticket began campaigning, one poll found that VP Kamala Harris is leading Trump by four points in the “blue wall” states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The live chat also puts Musks’ increasing interest in politics — in the US and abroad — front and center. The billionaire often uses his X feed to amplify his far-right politics, with some world leaders calling him out on it. Time will tell how much influence Musk actually has in the political arena…at least when his technology is working properly. Meanwhile, a Harris campaign spokesperson called Trump and Musk “self-obsessed rich guys” who can’t “run a livestream in the year 2024.”

Related: Trump Campaign Says It Accidentally Used Jeffrey Epstein’s Old Private Jet (USA Today)

Health

FDA Approves First Nasal Spray for Severe Allergic Reactions

What's going on: The FDA recently gave the green light to a nasal spray that can treat severe allergic reactions — no needles required, unlike the EpiPen. Neffy, made by ARS Pharmaceuticals, was approved to treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, in adults and children who weigh at least 66 pounds. Users spray it once in one nostril, with an option for a second dose if needed. As with an EpiPen, patients will still need to visit the ER afterward for monitoring. In terms of side effects, the FDA says Neffy can cause things like throat irritation, nasal discomfort, and headaches. The new treatment is expected to hit the US market within the next eight weeks and to cost around $200 without insurance, according to ARS.

What it means: Neffy could be a game-changer for needle-phobic people with severe food allergies. ARS’s market research found that roughly 3.2 million people are scared of needles and don’t like using auto-injectors. Needle fears aside, administering a nasal spray could be easier for caregivers, who often use auto-injectors incorrectly, according to an allergist. Several doctors applauded the FDA’s approval of the spray, saying that it will save lives.

Related: Dealing With Seasonal Allergies for the First Time? Climate Change Could Be To Blame (NBC)