What We’re Reading: Reproductive Health Interest; ADA Anniversary; Confidential Teen Contraception

Study: “Barbie” Increased Online Search Interest in Reproductive Health

A recent study found that the ending of the 2023 film “Barbie,” where she sees a gynecologist, has increased online search interest in gynecology, according to CNN. The researchers analyzed 34 related search queries and determined that there was about a 51% increase in searches for gynecologist and gynecology in the week following the film’s release in July 2023. They also looked at the film's influence on searches for gynecologist definition. Overall, this category had fewer searches than the previous terms, but it saw a 154% increase compared with searches from the previous week. However, the researchers found no difference in search trends for gynecologist appointment compared with the prior week. Therefore, there was no search volume associated with seeking gynecologic care, but they noted that an increase in seeking care may not be accurately captured in search trends. Similarly, because the researchers analyzed data from public search engines, they do not know the demographics of the searchers.

Americans With Disabilities Act Turns 34

Yesterday marked 34 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring equal protection for people with disabilities, according to USA Today. The CDC's latest data show that 1 in 4 US adults has a disability, equatingover 70 million people, with the highest prevalence among older adults and certain racial/ethnic groups; disabilities are most prevalent in those who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native and other/multirace. The ADA provides those with disabilities equal access to schools, buildings, government services, private employers, and commercial facilities. However, disability rights activists argue that the ADA still falls short of fully protecting disabled individuals. Americans with disabilities face health care access barriers, with many lacking regular providers or having cost-related unmet needs. Consequently, although the ADA has facilitated positive changes, discrimination through neglect remains a challenge, necessitating ongoing efforts to safeguard these rights.

Texas Sues Biden Administration Over Confidential Teen Contraception

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday that he is suing the Biden administration over Title X, a federal contraception program that provides teens birth control without parental consent, according to The Texas Tribune. Historically, this program has been the only way minors could obtain confidential contraception, but in 2022, a court ruled that Texas providers must require minors to get parental consent to obtain confidential contraception, a decision that was upheld in March by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals. However, in 2021 while the case was unfolding, the Biden administration issued a new rule that Title X providers should not require parent or guardian consent to provide services to minors; they also could not notify a parent or guardian before or after a minor requested or received Title X family planning services. Paxton sued the Biden administration, arguing that this rule “defies” the 5th Circuit Court’s judgment and is asking courts to issue a permanent ban against it. Paxton filed the lawsuit in federal court in Amarillo, where it will be heard by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who previously ruled against the program’s confidentiality clause.