The Pope wants surrogacy banned. Here's why one advocate says that's misguided
The pontiff called surrogacy "deplorable." But one U.S. surrogate said the practice helps those who are unable to have children start a family.
Health & Safety
Red Cross declares an emergency blood shortage, as number of donors hits 20-year low
The number of people donating blood has dropped 40% over the last two decades, according to the Red Cross. Severe winter weather and illnesses could make an already bad situation even worse, it says.
'Sex With a Brain Injury' reveals how concussions can test relationships
Annie Liontas experienced three brain injuries in the span of one year, which led to dizziness, memory fog and anger — and impacted Liontas' marriage and sex life.
A discovery in the muscles of long COVID patients may explain exercise troubles
Long COVID patients can experience severe energy crashes after physical exertion. New research provides clear evidence that there's a biological basis for the symptoms.
His wife was dying. Here's how a nurse became a 'beacon of light'
When Roger Lynn's wife was in the cancer ward, a nurse went out of her way to make her last days more comfortable.
Why there's a storm brewing about global food aid from the U.S.
The act of providing food aid to countries in need turns out to be a complicated and controversial matter. Here's why.
'Body Electric Challenge': Start the new year off with movement breaks
The challenge invites anyone who wants to join to inject prescribed doses of movement in their lives. Follow along with the series at npr.org/bodyelectric or on the TED Radio Hour podcast feed.
Vermont officials say renewed focus is needed to tackle worsening opioid crisis
A decade after Vermont's governor dedicated his annual State of the State speech to the opioid epidemic, there's been some progress. But it's overshadowed by record-breaking fatal overdoses.
Sprawling storm wallops US with tornado reports, damage and heavy snow, closing roads and schools
In North Carolina, one person has died and two other people were in critical condition after a suspected tornado struck a mobile home park in the town of Claremont, which is north of Charlotte, according to Amy McCauley, a spokesperson for Catawba County. The county has also been dealing with downed trees and flooding.
Tennessee lawmakers propose more power to involuntarily commit mentally ill people
Tennessee lawmakers will consider expanding the state's power to involuntarily commit someone with severe mental illness. Advocates worry the measure would undermine the rights of the most vulnerable.