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Health

Discover the Health section of The Advocate, where readers can find the latest news on medicine, fitness, mental and physical wellbeing, scientific developments, and diseases that affect the LGBT community. Read the most recent on gay health, AIDS and HIV news, pregnancy and sex from experts like doctors and researchers. Learn about news related to health insurance, statistics, changing laws and government policy, and tools that can be used in preventing and curing illnesses in the United States and beyond.

Election season got you down? This crisis line is soothing LGBTQ+ mental health (exclusive)

As lawmakers target the community, the need for mental health services skyrockets. FOLX Health CEO Liana Douillet Guzmán tells The Advocate about a new service that's helping.

'Fractured landscape:' Abortions in the U.S. are increasing, despite 'drastic' bans

Despite abortion restrictions being implemented in 21 states since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortions are increasing in the U.S.

White House, LGBTQ+ community express support after Princess Kate reveals shocking cancer diagnosis

In a deeply personal video, Princess Catherine shared her struggle with cancer, sparking a wave of support from the White House to a pub in D.C.

Anti-transgender hate crimes spike, leading to calls for a public health emergency

An Advocate data analysis found that in Los Angeles County and across the country, hate crimes against transgender people are reaching historic highs.

Homophobia can 'increase cancer risk' in LGBTQ+ people, report finds

The American Cancer Society has found that queer people frequently experience "minority stress" in health care settings, leading to an "elevated prevalence" of cancer risk factors.

Unfilled prescriptions, missed checkups, loneliness: States' anti-LGBTQ+ moves affect health

Most of the extreme bills have failed to pass, but trans adults are watching statehouses with heightened anxiety.

Olivia Rodrigo gives away free Plan B at Missouri show, calls for 'funding abortion'

Olivia Rodrigo gave away free boxes of Julie — emergency contraception also known as Plan B — at her recent show in St. Louis, Mo., where abortion is a felony.

Researchers have turned a skin cell into an egg. Here's what that means for LGBTQ+ people

A new in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) technique is signaling promise for same-sex couples looking to start families.

Nebraska trans youth can access gender-affirming care, but only after invalidating therapy

Minors in Nebraska will be able to access gender-affirming care, but only after attending 40 hours of therapy that could push back on their identity.

How important is abortion in the 2024 elections? To these groups, it's crucial

Abortion is an important issue to most women, but a large number of certain demographics are making it their top priority.

North Dakota allows doctors to refuse trans health care in the name of 'religious freedom'

A North Dakota court has permitted doctors to refuse to perform gender-affirming surgeries, and allowed employers to refuse to cover all gender-affirming care.

CVS and Walgreens will start dispensing abortion pill mifepristone. Here's when and where

Both pharmacy chains already dispense misoprostol, the other medication involved in medication abortion regimens.

Texas quietly restricts gender-affirming care for trans adults: 'Canary in the coalmine'

Texas Medicaid will no longer cover gender affirming care for transgender adults as of tomorrow.

World's largest psych association passes policy supporting trans youth care by massive margin

The American Psychological Association, representing 157,000 members, has issued a resolution calling for an end to trans care bans and misinformation around care.

West Virginia Republicans want to prevent suicidal transgender youth from receiving care

GOP lawmakers in West Virginia are pushing to overturn an exception that allows transgender youth at risk of self-harm or suicide to receive gender-affirming care.

Family planning and fertility services grind to halt in Alabama after devastating ruling

Family planning services in Alabama have been completely upended by an unprecedented and unscientific state Supreme Court ruling.

Youth mental health crisis calls in Oklahoma skyrocket after Nex Benedict’s death

Trans and nonbinary youth in Oklahoma are suffering from the news of the death of a bullied high school sophomore.

Columbia South Carolina Planned Parenthood Abortion Healthcare Protest State House capitol building
Law

A South Carolina woman was forced to leave the state for an abortion. Now, she's suing

Despite being less than six weeks pregnant, Taylor Shelton said that healthcare providers would not assist her in terminating her pregnancy, nor provide her resources for services elsewhere.

Alabama Supreme Court endangers IVF access by ruling frozen embryos are people

In a notable union of church and state, the Alabama Supreme Court cited Christian faith as reason to jeopardize access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

DOJ sues Tennessee over HIV-related discrimination in anti-sex work law

The Justice Department says that the state is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.