Women's Health

Younger Women Hesitate To Say They're Having A Heart Attack

2:21pm February 25, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

Even when women suspected they were having a heart attack, they didn't report it because they feared being called hypochondriacs, a study finds. That may contribute to women's higher death rates.

Ultrasound is often used for prenatal screening. It's just one of several prenatal screenings available to pregnant women.

DNA Blood Test Gives Women A New Option For Prenatal Screening

7:30pm February 24, 2015

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

A simple blood test can analyze bits of fetal DNA leaked in the mother's bloodstream. It's less risky than invasive alternatives like amniocentesis, but it doesn't tell as much about fetal health.

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Female Libido Pill Fires Up Debate About Women And Sex

8:35am February 19, 2015

by Rob Stein

Is the FDA being sexist or appropriately cautious in requiring stringent evidence that the latest pill works and is safe? Women's advocacy groups aren't sure.

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Under the Affordable Care Act, pregnancy isn't considered a "qualifying event" that justifies enrollment at any time.

Pregnant And Uninsured? Don't Count On Obamacare Coverage

3:58pm February 18, 2015

by Phil Galewitz

Women who get pregnant and don't have health insurance can't sign up outside open enrollment until after they give birth. Advocates say that puts mother and child at risk of serious health problems.

Semmelweis considered scientific inquiry part of his mission as a physician.

The Doctor Who Championed Hand-Washing And Briefly Saved Lives

2:55pm February 11, 2015

by Rebecca Davis

One of the most important medical advances may also be the simplest: hand-washing. It's the best defense against spreading disease. And its power was discovered long before anyone knew about germs.

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Abortions are legal in India. But many are performed by traditional midwives, called dais. Sometimes a dai rubs herbs on a woman's stomach or gives her plants to eat.

What Drives Abortion: The Law Or Income?

1:33pm January 30, 2015

by Michaeleen Doucleff

About 5 million women worldwide are admitted to hospitals each year because of complications after an abortion. But the key to stopping these injuries may have nothing to with changing the law.

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, stillbirth and infant death.

Is It OK To Pay Pregnant Women To Stop Smoking?

2:42pm January 28, 2015

by Nancy Shute

It's notoriously hard to get people to quit smoking. Pregnant women in Scotland were more apt to stop if they got $600 in gift cards. But are those kinds of payments ethical?

The UASK app helps sexually assaulted college students in D.C. access a range of services, from rides to the hospital to phone numbers for counselors. The information is personalized to their school. Another version of the app, ASK, provides the same reso

App Links Sex Assault Survivors To Help, But Who Downloads It?

7:48am January 26, 2015

by Eleanor Klibanoff

The D.C.-based smartphone tool connects people with a ride to the hospital and a team of medical professionals trained in dealing with sexual assault. But students aren't rushing to download the app.

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Couple's hands wrapped around one cup of coffee.

Young Women And Men Seek More Equal Roles At Work And Home

4:02pm January 23, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

Young couples would prefer to share responsibilities equally at work and at home, a study finds. But they realize that workplace policies and child care can make that a tough go in real life.

Anti-abortion activists participate in the annual "March for Life" in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

States Continue Push To Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks

8:32pm January 22, 2015

by Jennifer Ludden

Although the Republican-led House decided not to vote to ban abortions after 20 weeks, 10 states already have such measures and more states are considering them.

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