Protecting Preemies...The Implications

Even in this day and age of advanced technology, premature (<37 weeks) births are often cause of higher rates of mortality and morbidity. Approximately 1/3 of infant deaths and 1/2 of cerebral palsy may be attributed to prematurity. These staggering numbers are attributed to a neonate's inability to survive in the environment outside of its womb. In the past, the formation of an artificial placenta, though appealing, has offered limited success. However, a recent study has shown that with a new form of "artificial placenta" that consists of a cardiac circuit, closed fluid, and pseudo umbilical cord  has shown promise with the gestation of lambs.
This fluid filled sac mimics a womb-like environment and is capable of supporting lambs prematurely for up to 4 weeks. So why lambs you ask? The 105-115 day old lamb preemies' development is very similar to that of a 23 week old human fetus. Surprisingly, this study showed that even after a year of birth, the labs had comparable health outcomes to their fully gestated counterparts! This may indicate that human preemies may also obtain a better quality of life.
As with research in the past, this too holds ethical and legal implications. Such issues are raised around the regulation of abortion and paternal rights. Because this artificial womb may serve as an alternative to the gestation of a woman,  rights may change to denying a woman the option to abort, and instead transfer the fetus to an artificial womb within 18 weeks.  Another possibility is that both may be prohibited. Moreover, paternal rights to an abortion were denied in the past (Missouri v. Danforth) because a woman is the physical bearer of the child and therefore more directly affected by the pregnancy. With the use of artificial wombs, this division of rights may also change. 
Regardless one's stance on this difficult topic, we can agree that this progressive research will certainly aid in the life expectancy and wellness of premature neonates with further research!

Let us know what you think!

Meghana Pisupati
IHS 2018

What does "defunding" Planned Parenthood really mean?

https://twitter.com/PPact/status/817084357907271680/photo/1

As many of us are aware, Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive and other health care services both nationally and globally. Political stances aside, the majority of us can agree that preventive healthcare is beneficial.  What many people  fail to realize, however, is the fact that approximately 5 million women and men and children rely on Planned Parenthood for most of their health care needs including immunizations, cancer and STD screening, HIV prevention, lactation support and counseling, in addition to family planning. These individuals are often dependent on Medicaid and Title X, created in the 1970's to specifically focus on funding for family planning and preventive care for low income families.


With over 700 clinics across the United States, Planned Parenthood relies on federal funds for 43% of its budget. However, if the American Health Care Act passes, this organization is at risk for losing the funds from Medicaid totaling approximately half a billion dollars. The funds from Title X on the other hand are grants given to states so $60 million dollars may remain based on state jurisdiction. The millions of patients who rely on health care provided by Planned Parenthood may be left to find a community health center to treat them. Unfortunately, these health centers do not have the ability, providers, or resources as of now to absorb all of Planned Parenthood's patients. Access to healthcare, birth control provision, STD checks and other services would significantly decrease, thus impacting the health of a wide array of individuals.


So what can we do?
Write to our senators to preserve Medicaid and Title X and convey why Planned Parenthood is important to you!




Meghana Pisupati
IHS 2018