Reproductive rights advocates have expressed concern that Texas lawmakers will take bolder steps in the upcoming session to defund abortion providers and dismantle access to abortion, birth control and other sexual health services.
Marissa Evans
Marissa Evans reported on health and human services policy for the Tribune from 2016 to 2019. Before the Tribune she reported for CQ Roll Call in D.C., where she covered state legislatures and health care issues. Her reporting has appeared in Civil Eats, NBC BLK, Cosmo for Latinas, Kaiser Health News, The Seattle Times, The Washington Post, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Star Tribune and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. She is a 2013 alumna of Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Posted in
Health care
House panel warns of “peril” in Texas mental health system
In a report released Thursday, Texas House Select Committee on Mental Health members wrote that mental health “is absolutely one of the most critical areas of concern” facing the state.
Posted in
Health care
Federal judge again delays Texas’ fetal remains rule
U.S. District Court Judge Sam Sparks announced Wednesday that he was delaying the start date of the state’s fetal remains burial rule for another three weeks. State officials had originally scheduled the rule to go into effect on Dec. 19.
Posted in
Health care
Arguments begin in lawsuit over Texas fetal remains burial rule
In the first of two days of hearings, Texas attorneys and the Center for Reproductive Rights went head-to-head over whether the state will be allowed to implement its fetal remains burial rule.
Posted in
2016 Year in Review
Trump, women’s health, child welfare top Texas news in 2016
Here’s a look at the top health and human services storylines The Texas Tribune tracked this year.
Posted inState Government
U.S. officials warn of further disability provider closures in Texas
As Texas seeks to implement a $350 million cut to the Medicaid budget for children’s therapy services, Texas health officials are scrambling to maintain a robust network of providers.
Posted in
Health care
Judge delays Texas’ fetal remains rule until Jan. 6
Judge Sam Sparks ruled Thursday afternoon that the Texas Department of State Health Services would have to push back its start date requiring health providers to bury or cremate aborted fetuses.
Posted in
State Government
Backers hopeful Texas ready to screen welfare recipients for drug use
While Texas already has some of the strictest eligibility requirements in the country for welfare benefit applicants, some lawmakers plan to try again next year to add required drug screenings or testing to the process.
Posted in
State Government
Federal health officials issue Zika warning for Brownsville
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging pregnant women to avoid Brownsville if they can and for those visiting the area to be tested for the virus, which is known to cause birth defects.
Posted in
Health care
Center for Reproductive Rights sues Texas over fetal remains rule
The center had pledged in August to take legal action if the new fetal remains rules were adopted.
