Top in women's health: Impact of abortion bans on OB/GYNs; benefits of paid family leave
Ninety-three percent of OB/GYNs from states with abortion restrictions reported they or a colleague were unable to follow clinical standards because of the legal ramifications, according to a study on the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson.
The qualitative study included 54 OB/GYNs from 14 states with abortion bans. Participants reported clinical repercussions like pregnancy counseling restrictions and delays in care for pregnant patients, as well as personal consequences like moral distress, fear of breaking the law and depressive and anxiety symptoms.
It was the top story in women’s health last week.
In another top story, a study found that paid family leave leads to higher rates of breastfeeding and postpartum medical visit attendance, along with lower rates of postpartum depression symptoms.
Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:
OB/GYNs feel effect of US abortion bans on workforce, personal health, patient care
Based on interviews with 54 self-selected OB/GYNs, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open that OB/GYNs experienced “deep and pervasive” impacts from state abortion bans on workforce sustainability, physician health and patient outcomes. Read more.
Paid family leave improves breastfeeding, postpartum depression rates
In U.S. states with strong paid family and medical leave, there was a greater likelihood of breastfeeding and lower odds of postpartum depression symptoms, with stronger associations among those with Medicaid, researchers reported. Read more.
Shorter operative, recovery time but more pain with vaginal vs. laparoscopic hysterectomy
Women who had vaginal vs. laparoscopic hysterectomy had shorter total operative and recovery time but reported worse postoperative pain on the day of surgery, according to a systematic review published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Read more.
High risks for adverse outcomes linked to COVID-19 with omicron variant at delivery
Risks for adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19 at delivery stayed high during the omicron variant window, despite possible immunity from previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination or testing differences, researchers reported. Read more.
Neuraxial catheter placement alleviates racial, ethnic disparities in cesarean delivery
There were no racial or ethnic disparities linked to neuraxial catheter placement for women undergoing cesarean delivery, despite disparities in general anesthesia rates continuing to exist, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open. Read more.