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The decision to pursue in vitro fertilization in Alabama and its impact on Black reproductive health

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On February 16, 2024 at Supreme Court of Alabama issued a ruling stating that embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) needs to be considered children. The legal dispute arose from a wrongful death lawsuit brought by three couples whose embryos were tragically lost at a fertility clinic in 2020. The incident occurred when the patient entered the realm where the embryos were stored. While trying to reach out and grab some, he burned his hand due to the extremely low temperature and unintentionally dropped the pair embryos. They hit the bottom and were destroyed.

The couples then initiated legal motion against the Center for Reproductive Medicine and the Mobile Infirmary Association under the Alabama Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. While the law traditionally applied to fetuses, it didn’t expressly cover embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Initially, a lower court ruled that the embryos didn’t have the legal capability of an individual or child, which precluded a wrongful death lawsuit. However, in a shocking ruling, the state Supreme Court sided with the couples, affirming that frozen embryos needs to be considered “children” under the state’s wrongful death law and needs to be afforded the identical protections. Embryos destroyed in clinics and hospitals may result in wrongful death lawsuits being filed against these offices and institutions.

The court’s decision, which expanded the law’s application to “all unborn children, regardless of their residence,” has far-reaching implications for the legal status of embryos and the reproductive rights landscape in Alabama.

Less than per week after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization were recognized as children, three major IVF providers in the state have suspended services for fear of the legal consequences of this decision. In response to mounting pressure to restore in vitro fertilization (IVF) services in the state, Gov. Kay Ivey promptly introduced laws on March 7 to protect doctors from the legal ramifications of the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling.

In response to public protests and rapid legislative efforts, the bill was quickly passed. As a result, doctors at several primary fertility clinics in Alabama have announced plans to resume in vitro fertilization services. Despite the resumption of services, individuals and families receiving infertility treatment are actually forced to grapple with the lingering effects of the interruption.

Heather Skanes, MD, Founder and Executive Director Oasis of Women’s Health clinic positioned on Birmingham’s west end says the recent ruling has already had a big impact on infertility treatment, causing more delays and financial burdens for patients, particularly Black and Brown patients who’re already marginalized in the medical community. “Many people of color already felt like the odds were stacked against them for infertility treatment,” Skanes says. “People don’t necessarily diagnose them with infertility when it needs to be diagnosed, and too many people are not offered infertility treatment once they are diagnosed. It’s like doctors telling patients, “You’re infertile.” “Good luck,” and people feel like they don’t have the knowledge to make the choices they need to make.”

The latest data on infertility from Center for Disease Control shows that although greater than 13% of American women aged 15 to 49 have impaired fertility, black women are almost twice as likely to experience infertility as white women. They are less likely to seek and undergo infertility treatment. This is not necessarily because black women don’t desire to participate in IVF. Treatment costs could be significant, often starting from $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle, not including additional expenses comparable to medications, consultations, and diagnostic tests.

When we consider the demographics of those without adequate insurance, black Americans are overrepresented. Lack of IVF insurance then places a big financial burden on Black people and families looking for fertility assistance. In addition to systemic barriers to accessing in vitro fertilization treatment, many Black women and those looking for care must grapple with the cultural stigma surrounding infertility treatment that’s deeply rooted in Black communities.

Historically, the prevailing view has been that looking for medical assistance is synonymous with personal failures and shortcomings. As a result, many individuals battling infertility may feel as in the event that they have to hide their struggles and could also be reluctant to pursue treatments comparable to in vitro fertilization for fear of being judged. Black women battling infertility may experience further ostracism due to society’s judgment of how they spend their money.

So, for many who find the courage and funds to seek treatment in hopes of expanding their family, Skanes notes that this ruling is an element of a more significant shift in health care practice where legal considerations are replacing scientific judgment, potentially threatening patient care and outcomes. This trend shouldn’t be specific to Alabama, but reflects broader challenges in driving reproductive health policy across the country.

“Rules that limit access to health care will continue to change the way people practice, not based on evidence, but based on concerns about liability. Healthcare providers play a key role in supporting patients on their fertility journey,” Skanes emphasizes. “It’s about providing compassionate care, offering tailored treatment options, and ensuring patients feel empowered and supported every step of the way in which. In the face of overwhelming laws that’s in no way consistent with best practices or evidence-based medicine, providers proceed to have a responsibility to share and facilitate access to credible information.

For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, the trail to parenthood often presents various unique challenges. In vitro fertilization serves as a source of hope, offering a path to overcome these obstacles and realize the dream of beginning a family. Mia Cooley, reproductive health advocate and founder xHood, provides fertility, family constructing, and nurturing support for the Black Queer community. Cooley says the platform was born out of a private need to create a community where Black LGBTQ+ parents could come together, free from experiences of homophobia, transphobia and racism often found in other spaces. Since its inception on Mother’s Day in 2019, xHood has grown right into a vibrant and supportive community, offering resources, events and a way of belonging to Black LGBTQ+ parents all over the world.

Walking the byzantine path of infertility treatment and reproductive rights as a queer Black parent, Mia Cooley’s journey has been characterised by resilience and perseverance despite systemic obstacles. Reflecting on her experience, Mia shares: “The journey to parenthood is already a deep and sensitive chapter in everyone’s life. However, for queer Black parents like my partner and I, this experience is often marred by discrimination and a reluctance to learn from health care providers.”

She continues, “Navigating the maze of fertility treatments as a Black queer person felt like a constant battle against a system designed to exclude and invalidate us at every turn. The emotional impact of infertility treatment is often overlooked. It’s a roller coaster of hope and despair, compounded by the stigma and discrimination that Black people face when seeking reproductive care. “Every visit, every procedure seemed like another obstacle to overcome in an already difficult journey,” he says.

“But we didn’t give up because our desire to become parents outweighed the obstacles in our way,” Cooley adds. “The financial burden of infertility treatment is enormous. This is a burden that disproportionately affects Black families, who already struggle with systemic inequities and barriers to access to health care. There were times when we wondered whether it was worth it, whether the impact on our mental and emotional well-being was too great. But in the end, the joy of holding our baby in my arms made every sacrifice worth it.”

As the post-Dobbs story unfolds, we witness a unbroken trend of regressive policies restricting access to reproductive health services. The motives of anti-abortion leaders have gotten increasingly apparent. Abortion rights advocates have long warned of the implications of overturning Roe v. Wade, and now that abortion is increasingly isolated and marginalized as an option fairly than as integral health care, we’re starting to see the broader implications of anti-abortion laws for other points of reproductive care. across the country. A recent decision in Alabama to protect IVF providers from legal liability sheds light on this trend.

Ensuring that the provider is protected when accessing medical care is amazingly necessary, as is the patient. Do we also be sure that the law adequately protects people looking for infertility treatment, especially those in communities which might be at increased risk of criminalization for pregnancy outcomes?

Cooley states: “This ruling also reflects the broader issue of reproductive justice – including not only access to care, but in addition the precise to parent in a secure and supportive environment. It is a reminder that reproductive justice shouldn’t be only the precise to have children, but in addition the precise to raise them in communities that affirm and have a good time our identities.”

“As we continue to fight for reproductive justice, let us remember that our struggles are interconnected,” she adds. By standing together, we will create a world where all families are respected, valued and protected.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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