What We’re Reading: SC, ID Courts Rule on Abortion; NIH Pilots COVID-19 Program; ADHD Drug Shortages Rise

6-Week Abortion Ban “Unconstitutional” in South Carolina, Maintained in Idaho

The state of South Carolina possesses its own constitution that grants residents a right to privacy, therefore deeming a 6-week abortion ban as unconstitutional, according to CNBC. The 3-2 decision was made almost 7 months following the Supreme Court ruling against pregnancy termination as a constitutional right. Conversely, the state of Idaho, also after a 3-2 decision, enforced 3 state laws outlawing abortion at conception, after 6 weeks of pregnancy, and inclusion of a civil enforcement criterion, reports Politico. Idaho determined that these laws are constitutional and defend fetal life as well as maternal well-being, save circumstances such as rape or incest.

NIH Starts COVID-19 Telehealth Program

A telehealth program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), called Home Test to Treat, will provide free testing, consultation, and treatment for COVID-19 from home, reported The Hill. The program is launching for about 8000 people in partnership with health officials in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Additional communities around the country will be chosen based on aspects like need and socioeconomic circumstances. NIH hopes to provide the program to up to 100,000 people across the country in the next 12 months.

Generic Ritalin Now Impacted by ADHD Drug Shortages

Generic Ritalin and generic Concerta are following in Adderall’s footsteps as they become the next class of ADHD medications with limited availability, according to Bloomberg. Methylphenidate drugs such as these were backordered in December and the University of Utah’s Drug Information Service originally said they expected a resolution in January. The FDA has not reported a methylphenidate drug shortage or received any indications that drug supply is significantly impacted. Adderall, an amphetamine-based drug, has been in shortage since last year.