Recent pieces address abortion bans’ impacts, defending science against attacks, the decision about declaring an Ebola emergency, and more.
New figures from CDC give an updated look at the awful racial disparities in US maternal mortality, while new proposals offer solutions.
Hours before the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019 (HR 1603), the New York Times reported that EPA ignored its scientists’ advice in proposing a new asbestos rule.
Worker Health & Safety
Workers Memorial Day 2019: “There is no reason to tolerate irresponsible behavior by employers who fail to provide a safe workplace”
For Workers Memorial Day, two important reports capture what’s wrong in U.S. workplaces.
Environmental Health
Commenters Slam EPA’s Attempts to Ignore Benefits of Regulating Mercury and Other Air Pollutants
Of the more than 300,000 public comments submitted to EPA regarding a proposed undermining of air pollution rules, several criticized the agency for something that’s become a disturbing trend under the Trump administration: Ignoring evidence that demonstrates a need for regulation.
Public Health Practice
Worth reading: Black Maternal Health Week, childcare costs, and ocean conservation
Recent pieces worth reading include articles for Black Maternal Health Week, a look at candidates’ childcare proposals, an interview about social justice and ocean conservation, and more.
It’s Black Maternal Health Week. Actions in Congress and state Medicaid programs can help address the awful racial disparities in maternal mortality, but we also need comprehensive solutions to racism and inequity.
A proposed new inspection system for pork facilities will shift the responsibility for identifying diseased and contaminated carcasses away from USDA inspectors toward pork plant employees, Kimberly Kindy reports in the Washington Post.
Tuesday, April 2 is the last day to comment on the USDA’s cruel and short-sighted proposal to limit access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) benefits.
Scientific Integrity & Ethics
The Scientific Integrity Act: Much-needed protections for federal science
Last week, Representative Paul Tonko (D-New York) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced the Scientific Integrity Act in the House and Senate. By codifying safeguards for science at federal agencies, the bill would better position our nation to use science to solve problems from pandemics to climate change.