Daily Skimm: IVF, COVID, and HER

What VF?

The Story

Democrats are taking on IVF.

What do you mean?

Yesterday, Dems in both chambers of Congress intro’d legislation that would block limits on in vitro fertilization. Tens of thousands of parents rely on fertility treatments like IVF. Together, they’re responsible for 2% of all US births — more than 80,000 babies each year. But when SCOTUS overturned Roe, some states passed bills defining life at conception. That could put IVF — which relies on using fertilized embryos — in gray territory. Some states (like Arkansas and Oklahoma) explicitly say ‘IVF isn’t an issue.’ On the flip side, Virginia is considering a bill that doesn’t include an IVF carveout.

So what would this bill do?

Ban states from restricting access to reproductive treatments. It would also protect health care workers who administer the treatments. And would direct the Justice Department to go after states trying to limit IVF. The Dems say they’re looking for Republican support to help pass it. And hope former VP Mike Pence — who said those treatments “deserve the protection of the law” — can rally members of his party to get on board. The father of three revealed last month that he and his wife had relied on IVF, saying the treatment gave the couple “great comfort.”

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Some say Democrats are fear-mongering with bills like this — and that birth control and fertility treatments aren’t at risk. Others point to states that may have a microscope on IVF. Now, Dems are scrambling to take some action on reproductive healthcare…before they lose the House next month. 

And Also...This

Who’s saying ‘winter is coming’...

The White House. Yesterday, the Biden admin brought back its free, at-home, rapid COVID test program. The move — part of the admin’s “COVID-19 Winter Preparedness Plan” — means that all US households can order four at-home tests from here that will be mailed to them for free. The tests, which start shipping next week, come as the country’s dealing with what health experts are calling a “tripledemic” of COVID, the flu, and RSV. 13 million people have been infected with the flu this season alone, and more than 79% of hospital beds nationwide are now occupied. So the White House’s answer: add ‘COVID tests’ to everyone’s wish lists. Happy holidays and stay safe.

PS: Here’s how to survive work and a sick kid during a ‘tripledemic.’

Where people are suspecting fowl play...

Twitter. Yesterday, Elon Musk’s social media company blocked half a dozen reporters for apparently violating Twitter's rules. The accounts included journalists who worked for CNN, The New York Times, and Washington Post. Musk says that the accounts were blocked for doxxing (aka sharing private information) when they covered the story of a now-deleted account that followed Musk’s private jet location. But the journalists say they don’t understand the suspension calling it "questionable and unfortunate.” All of this comes as some of the journalists in question were critical of Musk in recent weeks — raising concerns that this is personal. And may go counter to Musk's previous claims that he hopes to make Twitter a “healthy, functioning free speech” where even his “worst critics” have a place.

What’s on the DL…

US IPOs. According to a new report, initial public offerings had their worst year in over three decades. And says about 88% fewer companies decided to go public to raise cash. The news comes as VCs are also going through it, with venture capital deals reportedly on track for the biggest decline in more than two decades. The reason for both trends? Inflation and interest rate hikes have investors looking for safer options.

What could give people answers…

The JFK assassination files.

What no one knew to have in their holiday shopping carts...

A superhero NFT trading card of former President Trump.

What’s singing 'don't you know that I'm toxic?'…

Your favorite dark chocolates.

While Trevor Noah and the Grammys are pulling a three-peat…

Ladies and gentlemen, HER.