Category: NPR

PHOTOS: South Africa’s ‘train of hope’ is a godsend for millions. But new threats loom

Dubbed the “train of hope,” the Phelophepa has brought health care to millions of South Africans. But it’s facing an unprecedented spree of theft and vandalism on the country’s railways.

She was already battling cancer. Then she had to fight the bill collectors

For one South Dakota mom, cancer treatment saved her life, but left her $30,000 in debt. The cost of care in the U.S. can make patients drain savings, declare bankruptcy, or lose their homes.

She was already battling cancer. Then she had to fight the bill collectors

For one South Dakota mom, cancer treatment saved her life, but left her $30,000 in debt. The cost of care in the U.S. can make patients drain savings, declare bankruptcy, or lose their homes.

Trauma center medical director explains public health implications of guns

NPR’s Ailsa Chang speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Benjamin, Grady Memorial Hospital’s trauma medical director in Atlanta, Ga., about gun violence and its devastating impact on public health.

Montana clinics preemptively restrict out-of-state patients’ access to abortion pills

Montana is an island of legal abortion, but four of the state’s five clinics now restrict abortion pills from people in states with trigger bans to shield themselves and patients from legal attacks.

One Black abortion clinic fears being further targeted by the justice system

NPR’s Shannon Bond speaks to Dr. Sanithia Williams about the concerns of Black abortion providers now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade.

Doctors weren’t considered in Dobbs, but now they’re on abortion’s legal front lines

In a departure from earlier Supreme Court decisions on abortion, Justice Alito’s abortion opinion barely mentions medicine. This creates a perilous new legal reality for doctors, legal analysts say.

Health insurers are now required to post prices they pay to hospitals

The federal government says insurers must publicly post the amounts they pay hospitals and doctors. It’s another step toward price transparency in the country’s complicated health care system.

How much health insurers pay for almost everything is about to go public

New government rules are forcing insurers to post on websites what they pay for care or be fined, allowing consumers and employers to comparison shop for health services or negotiate better rates.

Major health system stops, then resumes Plan B amid Missouri’s abortion ban ambiguity

Saint Luke’s Health System, which operates several hospitals in the Kansas City area, said it was concerned about the risk of criminal prosecution by offering the emergency contraceptive.