Latest news with #prenatalcare
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctor Denies Woman Prenatal Care Because She's Unmarried
A Tennessee medical provider allegedly refused to provide prenatal care to an unmarried pregnant woman because it went against the doctor's 'Christian values.' Speaking at a town hall in Jonesborough, Tennessee, last week, an unnamed 35-year-old woman claimed that she was forced to seek care in Virginia after her local medical provider effectively claimed religious exemption. 'I just found out that I'm pregnant again,' the woman said. 'I've been with my partner for about 15 years though we're not married. 'I just had my first visit and that provider told me that, thanks to that fact, they were not comfortable treating me because I am an unwed mother and that went against their Christian values,' she continued. The woman and her partner have a 13-year-old child together. The woman underscored that she's 'lucky enough' to live along the Virginia state border, allowing her to receive out-of-state care. Still, she said she was 'scared out of her mind' regarding the complications of the long drive. Tennessee's Medical Ethics Defense Act went into effect in late April, allowing medical providers to opt out of participating in specific procedures that conflict with their 'conscience'—a legally defined term in the Volunteer State that refers to sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. The aggrieved woman had her first prenatal visit less than three months after the measure was implemented. Speaking with the Nashville Banner on the condition of anonymity, she recalled that 'instantly, I felt my stomach drop and I knew this wasn't right, this wasn't okay.' 'I didn't want to react in a place of anger, because I felt like that was just going to support any judgment that the provider already had against me,' she told the paper. 'I said 'thank you for your time' and left, because if you're not willing to provide the best care to me, regardless of the reason, I don't want any part of this.' She has since filed complaints with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and the American Medical Association, according to the Banner. At the town hall, the woman said she had called Senator Marsha Blackburn's office twice a day since the incident happened, but believed that she was either blocked or that Blackburn 'had all calls going directly to voicemail.' 'I've never even reached a staffer,' she said. Senator Bill Hagerty, however, did answer—though his staffers had bad news: 'I was told he's not obligated to listen to his constituents,' the woman said. Just living in Tennessee as a pregnant woman, in the wake of the state's total abortion ban, terrifies her. Speaking with the Banner, the mother recalled what happened to Adriana Smith in Georgia and feared that the same could happen to her in her home state. Smith, a 30-year-old woman, was declared brain dead in February after developing multiple blood clots in her brain. But because she was about nine weeks pregnant at the time—past Georgia's six-week limit on abortions—the state opted to use her body as an incubator until the fetus was viable. 'The fear for me is if something [high risk] happens, I can't guarantee that the provider I see is going to value my life over the life of this fetus,' the Tennessee woman said. 'And while we do very, very much want this baby, I have one here already who very, very much relies on me.' Tennessee has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, with more than 41 deaths per 100,000 births, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also has a staggeringly high infant mortality rate—two factors that, combined, contributed to its ranking as the worst state to live in in the U.S., according to a CNBC ranking. State Republicans pushed for the passage of the Medical Ethics Defense Act, bargaining that the legislation would help the state retain its medical professionals, but that hasn't been the case. Tennessee has been bleeding its medical expertise since the state's abortion ban went into effect in 2022, and the state's future isn't much brighter. A 2024 study from the Association of American Medical Colleges found that overall medical residency applications in the state had plummeted by more than 12 percent between 2023 and 2024, with obstetrics facing the worst decline, falling by 20.9 percent. Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
21-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Nestmedic Selects Curavit Clinical Research as U.S. CRO Partner for Pioneering Prenatal Monitoring Trial
BOSTON and WARSAW, Poland, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curavit Clinical Research, 'The Innovation CRO', is proud to announce its selection by Nestmedic S.A. to lead the U.S. clinical trial of PregnaOne, an innovative remote prenatal monitoring solution. This milestone partnership was recently shared on LinkedIn by Nestmedic CEO Jacek Gnich and Curavit leadership. The upcoming Non-Significant Risk (NSR) study will enroll 50 expectant mothers in the U.S. to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of PregnaOne during home use. The study is designed to generate foundational evidence to support future regulatory approval in the U.S. Curavit will manage all aspects of the trial, including IRB submissions, site selection, contract and monitoring, data management, clinical data capture software selection, data analytics, and preparation of the Clinical Study Report (CSR). 'We are honored to support Nestmedic in bringing PregnaOne to market,' said Joel Morse, CEO and Co-founder of Curavit Clinical Research. 'Their mission to improve prenatal care through remote monitoring perfectly aligns with Curavit's vision to partner with innovative medical device companies that are working to expand access to healthcare.' Trial Highlights: 'We are building technology with empathy at its core,' said Jacek Gnich, CEO of Nestmedic. 'Curavit's innovation forward approach, medical device expertise, and deep clinical trial experience make them the ideal partner to run this pivotal study in the U.S.' About Curavit Clinical Research Curavit Clinical Research, The Innovation-CRO, designs and executes modern clinical trials for medical devices, digital therapeutics, and novel pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Boston, Curavit operates nationwide with additional offices in New York, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. Learn more at About Nestmedic S.A. Nestmedic is a Polish medtech company redefining prenatal care with PregnaOne, an AI-enabled remote monitoring solution that empowers patients and providers with real-time, continuous insight into fetal and maternal well-being. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Curavit Clinical Research
Fox News
26-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Trump DHS contests claim that ICE denied pregnant woman care: ‘Absolutely FALSE'
Print Close By Peter Pinedo Published June 25, 2025 In response to accusations from Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the Trump Department of Homeland Security is pushing back against an "absolutely false" media report about a pregnant immigrant who was allegedly denied prenatal care while she was detained by ICE. The Nashville Banner reported in May that Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, a Guatemalan illegal immigrant in her thirties, gave birth to a stillborn baby boy mid-term "after pleading for medical help for days." According to the outlet, Monterroso-Lemus had a September due date but was arrested by ICE in Lenoir City, Tennessee, in April. After being arrested, Monterroso-Lemus was transferred several times to facilities in Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama and finally to the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana, according to the Banner. The outlet claims that the Richwood center has a "long history of documented abuse" and that Monterroso-Lemus' account of her treatment while there "echoed many of those issues." In the article, Monterroso-Lemus claims that she was malnourished while incarcerated and that rather than helping her when she voiced concerns about her pregnancy, she was mocked by the guards who gave only minimal medical intervention. HOSPITALS IN SANCTUARY CITIES COULD BE MOST VULNERABLE TO IRAN TERROR ATTACKS, WARNS EXPERT The outlet reported that Monterroso-Lemus was eventually given a regimen of 12 pills to take daily. A few days later, she began experiencing contractions, and days after that, she delivered a stillborn baby while at the Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center. Monterroso-Lemus is now residing in Guatemala, according to the outlet. Commenting on the story, Jayapal said, "This is absolutely disgusting and we should all be outraged." LA POLICE UNION DEMANDS RESIGNATION OF LOCAL OFFICIAL WHO ALLEGEDLY INCITED GANGS AGAINST ICE "A pregnant woman lost her baby after ICE refused to give her prenatal care," said Jayapal. "She begged for help and was denied. She was fed food full of cockroaches. She was forced to sleep on the floor." However, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, responded to Jayapal's post by saying her claims were "absolutely FALSE." According to McLaughlin, Monterroso-Lemus "had FULL medical, prenatal care." BORDER PATROL COULD FACE KEY RECRUITMENT CHANGE AS CONGRESS DEBATES NEXT IMMIGRATION MOVES McLaughlin said that DHS has documentation proving her claims. The DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request to see the documentation. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP McLaughlin further stated that Monterroso-Lemus has been arrested multiple times for child abuse and is wanted on an active warrant for homicide. Abigail Jackson, a spokeswoman for the White House, also chimed in, telling Fox News Digital that "we'll call out their bogus narratives every time." "President Trump's immigration policies are popular - it's why the American people elected him. Democrats know the facts aren't on their side, so they resort to lying," said Jackson. Neither Jayapal nor the Nashville Banner immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Print Close URL
Associated Press
06-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
New online tool helps women on Medicaid find prenatal care and family planning
At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, one researcher's full-time job for the past nine months has been to find out which clinics around the state offer different kinds of women's health care, and whether they accept various forms of Medicaid. The final result is a recently launched database aimed at helping women locate the nearest clinic that can offer the care they need. The work that went into creating it highlights a pervasive problem: Even making an appointment can be a barrier that keeps women from improving their lives. 'We Need to Talk' is a compilation of all Mississippi clinics offering prenatal care – specifying which ones also offer family planning, and whether they take Medicaid insurance, Medicaid waivers and see women whose Medicaid applications are pending. There is also a hotline designed to give additional support to anyone having questions or feeling overwhelmed about the process. 'Having gone through the work, it was remarkable. It wasn't easy to figure out where you should go for care,' said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, former state health officer and dean of the John D. Bower School of Population Health at UMMC, who oversaw the project. 'And that should be one of the most basic bits of information we have.' The idea was born from the recent 900% increase in babies born with syphilis, Dobbs explained, which he called a 'canary in a coal mine' signaling more danger to come. An investigation into the epidemic showed that one of the driving factors was delayed prenatal care, caused in large part by inaccessible information and concerns about cost, Dobbs said. Finding reproductive and prenatal care can be difficult for several reasons. For one thing, there are many different kinds of clinics in Mississippi, making it hard for patients to know what to search for. The list includes federally qualified health centers, county health department clinics and private OB-GYNs. Another reason is that many clinics don't specify online whether they take Medicaid, much less what their policy is on specific or temporary Medicaid coverage. Calling doesn't always guarantee patients a comprehensive or accurate answer. The new database is an initiative of UMMC's Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute – housed in the Jackson Medical Mall – which is committed to eliminating health disparities by studying the intersection of health and social issues. The institute has a clinic on site that practices what's called 'social medicine,' a key element of eliminating those disparities, the institute's executive director Victoria Gholar explained. 'If you have a patient who has asthma and they're living in a situation where mold is in their environment, it will really be hard for them to get better,' Gholar said. 'Or, if we have a patient who has to use an electronic (medical) device, and their electricity is no longer available because they weren't able to take care of their utility bill, then we try to work with them and connect them to resources that might be able to help.' The institute employs a wide range of professionals who work on health from a non-clinical standpoint, such as researchers, community engagers, social workers and registered dietitians. It hosts events like food drives and offers free support from budgeting strategies to meal preparation for those with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Aside from knowing what to search for, finding clinics that accept Medicaid can also be complicated because Mississippi Medicaid eligibility is constantly changing for a woman based on her age and circumstance – what kinds of services she's seeking, as well as whether she's pregnant. Medicaid eligibility in Mississippi is among the strictest in the nation, with one exception – pregnant women. That means many low-income women only become eligible for Medicaid once pregnant. And since an application can take up to eight weeks to be processed, the chances that a woman in this situation will be able to use her newly acquired Medicaid insurance in the first trimester are slim. A law that would cut out this interim period and allow low-income pregnant women to be immediately seen by a doctor passed the Legislature in 2024, but was never implemented because of legislative errors. The policy went back through the Legislature in 2025, passed overwhelmingly again, but is not yet in effect. Some doctors already see women whose Medicaid application is pending, and the UMMC tool specifies at which clinics that's the case. Women of reproductive age seeking reproductive health care are also eligible for leniency in the typical Medicaid stipulations. These women can apply for a Medicaid family planning waiver, which allows them to access Medicaid for family planning purposes, even if they don't qualify for general Medicaid coverage. The income requirement for pregnancy Medicaid and the family planning waiver is a household income of less than 194% of the federal poverty level, or about $2,500 a month for one person in 2025. Dobbs, who has been the main point person on the project, said he hopes the online database is one more resource improving health care accessibility and women's health metrics in Mississippi. 'This isn't about getting patients to UMMC at all,' Dobbs said. 'It's about empowering patients to be able to get the care they need where they live.' ___ This story was originally published by Mississippi Today and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UAE Prenatal Testing Market to Triple by 2033: Driven by Tech Advancements and Maternal Health Awareness
Key drivers include increasing maternal age, healthcare advancements, and government support for early fetal screening. The market benefits from the rise in medical tourism and global diagnostic partnerships, despite challenges like cultural sensitivities and a lack of genetic counseling. Major players such as Eurofins, Roche, and Illumina enhance the UAE's prenatal care through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market Dublin, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market is expected to reach US$ 64.46 million by 2033 from US$ 21.04 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 13.25% from 2025 to 2033. The UAE's non-invasive prenatal testing market is growing due to a number of factors, including growing maternal age, better access to healthcare, increasing awareness, government assistance, the need for early fetal screening, and a rise in incidences of genetic disorders. UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Industry OverviewDue to improvements in genetic screening technology and growing awareness among pregnant parents, the non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expanding steadily. NIPT uses a straightforward blood test from the mother to safely and effectively identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Because of its accuracy, early detection potential, and low danger in comparison to more conventional invasive techniques like amniocentesis, it has becoming more and more popular in the United Arab Emirates. Both public and commercial healthcare organizations are implementing NIPT as a common prenatal screening procedure as healthcare standards rise and prenatal care becomes more maternal age is a major risk factor for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, which raises the need for accurate prenatal screening and is one of the main causes driving this industry's rise. Furthermore, expanding insurance coverage, the presence of foreign healthcare practitioners, and the UAE government's initiatives to improve genetic health services all help to increase NIPT's accessibility and acceptability. The market is also supported by the nation's growing medical tourism industry, which draws patients from nearby areas looking for cutting-edge prenatal diagnostics, especially in locations like Dubai and Abu its promise, the UAE NIPT industry is beset by issues including low awareness among specific demographic groups and the exorbitant expense of testing for those without insurance. These obstacles are being addressed, meanwhile, by continued public education campaigns, the incorporation of genetics into national healthcare plans, and partnerships with international diagnostics firms. With advancements in bioinformatics and non-invasive technologies anticipated to further improve the precision and reach of prenatal screening services, the NIPT sector in the United Arab Emirates is well-positioned for sustained development as precision medicine continues to Drivers for the UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market Supportive Government PoliciesThe UAE's non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) sector is expanding thanks in large part to supportive government legislation. As part of its larger national healthcare policy, the government has made maternal and fetal health a top priority, investing heavily in early diagnostic technologies and updating hospital infrastructure. The National Genome Strategy and the UAE's Vision 2031 initiatives center on incorporating cutting-edge genetic technology into standard medical treatment. While regulatory agencies make ensuring that these technologies are used in a safe and moral manner, public health campaigns also seek to increase awareness about prenatal screening. These initiatives, together with advantageous laws and alliances with international biotech companies, are creating a healthcare climate that encourages innovation and the broad use of NIPT throughout the Tourism GrowthThe non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) industry in the United Arab Emirates is growing due in large part to the rise of medical tourism, particularly in locations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The nation has established itself as a regional center for top-notch, specialized medical treatment, drawing clients from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The UAE's highly developed healthcare system, internationally recognized facilities, and access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like NIPT attract patients from outside. For pregnant moms looking for early and precise fetal screening, prenatal care facilities that offer individualized attention and minimal wait periods are particularly alluring. The UAE's standing as a destination for cutting-edge prenatal diagnostics is further reinforced by government funding for healthcare tourism and continuous initiatives to enhance service of Global Diagnostic CompaniesOne of the main factors propelling the non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) industry's expansion in the United Arab Emirates is the arrival of international diagnostic and genomics firms. To increase access to cutting-edge prenatal screening technology, foreign companies are establishing strategic alliances with regional healthcare providers, labs, and governmental organizations. The accuracy, speed, and scope of NIPT services are improved by these partnerships' introduction of cutting-edge technologies including high-throughput sequencing and AI-powered data processing. Furthermore, foreign actors raise the general level of prenatal care in the United Arab Emirates by assisting with knowledge transfer, workforce training, and adherence to international quality standards. The country's larger objectives of becoming a regional leader in precision healthcare and genomic medicine are supported by this infusion of knowledge and in the UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market Cultural and Religious SensitivitiesThe UAE's adoption of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is significantly hampered by cultural and religious sensitivities. The ethical ramifications of prenatal testing, especially with regard to possible judgments about pregnancy termination, might restrict acceptability in an area where traditional values and religious views are crucial in family and healthcare decisions. Because of religious beliefs about the sanctity of life, worries about disrupting natural processes, or fears of social disapproval, some families might be reluctant to undergo genetic testing. Even when NIPT is advised by a doctor, these issues may cause reluctance to choose it. Building understanding and confidence in prenatal screening necessitates ethical counseling, culturally relevant public education, and collaboration with community and religious of Genetic Counseling ServicesOne major obstacle to the efficient use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in the United Arab Emirates is the lack of qualified genetic counselors. Even though NIPT's technology is sophisticated and becoming more widely available, many patients may not have the assistance they need to understand complicated genetic data. Expectant parents may misinterpret test findings without the right counseling, which might cause needless worry or poor choices. In a culturally diverse nation like the United Arab Emirates, where language proficiency and cultural awareness are crucial for successful communication, this disparity is especially significant. Existing healthcare providers are likewise strained by the shortage of skilled workers. To remedy this deficiency, it is imperative to integrate remote or tele-counseling services, expand training programs, and provide incentives for genetic counseling expertise. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $21 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $64.5 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.2% Regions Covered United Arab Emirates Report Scope: UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market Segment Component Instruments Kits and Reagents Services Application Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) Turner Syndrome Other Applications End User Hospitals Diagnostic Labs The key players have been analyzed by: Overview Key Persons Recent Development & Strategies Financial Insights Key Players Analyzed: Eurofins Scientific F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Invitae Corporation Illumina Inc. Natera Inc. Centogene NV Qiagen For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment UAE Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
