Side Effects Public Media

Millions of Americans perceive politics as a significant source of stress. How can people recognize signs of –– what specialists call –– sociopolitical stress? And what steps can they take to deal with it?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline counselors help people who may be on the cusp of taking their own life. But some counselors say that they’re also facing verbal and sexual abuse from a small fraction of callers.

Women across the U.S. will get a report with their mammogram results that tell them about their breast density assessment thanks to a new federal law that took effect this week.

It’s been an active season for tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest due to various factors like hot and cold jet streams and climate change. This could create lasting public health challenges.

State fairs can spread viruses from animals to humans. With bird flu in cattle, some experts advise caution.

An Iowa law that bans abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy is poised to go into effect next week. The law could have rippling effects on abortion care across the Midwest.

Southern Baptists voted to oppose in vitro fertilization for the first time during their convention in Indianapolis. Some worry it’s a move that could indicate a growing push among conservative groups to advance arguments for fetal personhood and further restrict reproductive choice.

Some states’ wait-and-see approach worry public health expert as bird flu inches closer to humans.

The latest national abortion count by the Society of Family Planning found an increase in the number of abortions in 2023 compared to the year prior. But the numbers vary by state with some seeing sharp decreases due to fresh restrictions and bans.

Thirteen states across the U.S., including much of the Midwest, introduced bills this year that could give some rights to embryos and fetuses usually associated with people. None passed but people in the fertility world are concerned that lawmakers will try again and what that means for reproductive rights.