For the third consecutive year, Louisiana lawmakers have rejected a bill that would have allowed abortion access to minors who become pregnant as a result of rape. The proposed legislation, authored by Democratic Representative Delisha Boyd, sought to expand the state’s near-total abortion ban by permitting exceptions for girls under the age of 17 who are victims of sexual assault.

In an emotionally charged legislative committee meeting on Tuesday, several lawmakers cited their religious beliefs as the reason for voting against the measure. Despite impassioned pleas from supporters of the bill, it failed in a 3-9 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.

Also Read: Aamir Khan Opens Up About His Son Junaid's Struggle With Dyslexia

Abortion Law in Louisiana: A Deeply Personal and Painful Debate

Both Boyd and fellow Democratic Representative Patricia Moore have personal ties to the issue—they were born after their mothers were raped as teenagers. Boyd, born in 1969, just four years before Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide, emphasized that her mother did not have a choice. “I know the Bible. But I also know God gives people the ability to do right and wrong,” she said during the hearing.

Moore, who represents a deeply religious constituency, expressed her inner turmoil over the bill. “I’m struggling because life and death, according to our Heavenly Father, it’s in His hands,” she said. Moore shared the tragic example of a pregnant nine-year-old girl in her district, adding to the gravity of the debate. Yet, she concluded that she could not support the bill, citing her faith and belief in divine purpose: “God would take a bad situation and turn it into good.”

Also Read: Try These 6 Low-Impact Cross-Training Moves That Actually Work

Abortion Laws in Louisiana: A National Outlier

Louisiana has one of the strictest abortion bans in the United States. The law, triggered in 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, prohibits abortion at all stages of pregnancy. The only exceptions are when the mother’s life is at substantial risk or in cases of “medically futile” pregnancies—where the fetus has no chance of survival outside the womb.

Also Read: Exercise Proven ‘Better Than Drugs’ To Prevent Colon Cancer Recurrence, Study Trial Shows

The proposed rape exception would have added a critical layer of compassion for minors suffering extreme trauma. Advocates argue that forcing young rape survivors to carry pregnancies to term not only inflicts further psychological harm but also endangers their physical health. Louisiana, notably, has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, making forced pregnancies even more dangerous for young girls.

Why It Matters: The Health and Rights of Survivors

The rejection of the bill in Louisiana is part of a broader trend seen in several Republican-led states that have enacted strict abortion bans with few or no exceptions. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, between July 2022 and January 2024, more than 64,000 pregnancies resulted from rape in states where abortion is mostly or completely banned.

Of the 12 U.S. states enforcing total abortion bans, only four currently allow exceptions in cases of rape. Louisiana is not among them. This places an immense burden on victims, especially minors, who must either carry an unwanted pregnancy to term or travel across state lines to access care—an option not available to all due to financial, logistical, or legal barriers.

A 2019 Study titled They Are Girls, Not Mothers: The Violence of Forcing Motherhood on Young Girls in Latin America, published in Health and Human Rights Journal while looks specifically at the Latin America population, it does note for the risk it presents for the young pregnant girl, physically and mentally. The study also cites the Stolen Lives report, published by Planned Parenthood Global, it notes of the severe impact that forced motherhood and pregnancies have on women. The report also speaks to the experience of 2 million girls under 15 worldwide, who are compelled to give birth every year as a result of sexual violence.

"There are severe physical, mental, and social health impacts of forced pregnancies and motherhood," notes the study.

Physical Consequences

Research has consistently shown that forced pregnancy carries severe health risks for young girls. Among the most serious physical complications are preeclampsia and preterm labor. The danger is especially high for adolescent girls—studies show that the risk of dying during childbirth is four times greater for girls than for adult women. In fact, pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death for girls aged 15 to 19 worldwide.

There are also less-documented harms. Survivors of sexual violence, particularly young girls, often face obstetric violence and mistreatment in medical settings. Healthcare providers may deny them the specialized reproductive care they need or treat them with insensitivity, ignoring the trauma and vulnerability of their situation.

In countries like Guatemala and Nicaragua, Caesarean sections have become common for adolescent pregnancies—not due to medical necessity, but because of a lack of training among medical professionals to support the specific needs of young survivors of sexual violence. These early surgeries can have long-term consequences, including surgical complications and the risk of adhesions later in life.

Psychological and Emotional Toll

The mental health impact of forced motherhood is equally severe. Feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and hopelessness are common. Investigations by Planned Parenthood Global have linked such pregnancies to suicidal ideation and attempts, especially in places where reproductive choices are heavily restricted.

A 2019 report titled Silenced Lives found that in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, 50% of the teenage girls who died by suicide in 2017 were pregnant. One such girl, Juana, became severely depressed after her pregnancy. In her own words: “I want to die; my heart is not happy like before.”

Social Impact

Forced motherhood drastically reshapes the social trajectory of young girls. According to the Stolen Lives report, teenage pregnancy often leads to girls dropping out of school, missing employment opportunities, and falling into cycles of poverty and dependence. Many never return to education and become stuck in low-wage jobs, prolonged unemployment, or abusive relationships.

• Teen mothers are statistically more likely to:
• Not complete high school
• Work in low-income or unstable jobs
• Depend on welfare
• Become single parents
• Live in poverty long-term

In the study spanning four countries, 33% of the girls had only attended primary school. Without education or income, these girls lose not only their future prospects but also their sense of belonging. They are often removed from school and peer groups, isolated from community life, and pushed into adult roles they are unprepared for.

Pregnancy at such a young age reinforces harmful cultural stereotypes about gender, sexuality, and power. Girls like Juana, who wished to finish school, often end up in government shelters until they reach legal adulthood, stripped of autonomy and burdened with responsibilities well before their time.

The Path Forward: Choice, Compassion, and Health

Supporters of the bill argue that being pro-life should also mean valuing the lives and mental well-being of children who are victims of sexual assault. As Boyd said, “We should also be fighting for the life of those children who are raped and molested.”

While the measure failed again this year, the growing body of evidence and rising national awareness about the consequences of such bans suggest that the debate is far from over. For now, young rape survivors in Louisiana will continue to face some of the harshest abortion restrictions in the nation—caught at the intersection of trauma, law, and faith.

Teddi Mellencamp Cancer Update: Reality TV star and podcast host Teddi Mellencamp has revealed she is pausing her immunotherapy treatment as part of her ongoing battle with stage 4 cancer.

In an update during the July 24 episode of her podcast Two T’s in a Pod, Mellencamp shared that her body has been struggling to cope with the effects of the aggressive treatment, despite promising results in shrinking tumors.

The 44-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member detailed that she had not been feeling well for nearly a month and had grown increasingly fatigued and disoriented. “It was kind of shocking to me, and I think mentally it did a lot to me,” she said. “I started asking myself, ‘Why do I feel like I can barely open my eyes or keep my words straight?’”

After undergoing emergency scans and consulting her doctors, Mellencamp was told that the sickness she was feeling wasn’t from the cancer itself, but from the very treatment designed to help her.

Immunotherapy on Hold for Now

Immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, has shown signs of success in Mellencamp’s case. Doctors confirmed that the tumors in her lungs and brain were shrinking. “They did a bunch of scans and everything’s looking good, everything’s shrinking,” she said on the podcast.

However, the toll on her body has forced a critical decision, take a break to recover strength.

“So we’re going to take a little break on the immunotherapy to get my body back feeling stronger,” she revealed, adding that she is now on steroids and other medications to stabilize her condition. “I’m doing everything I can to get back to feeling like I can do this.”

She added, “I’ve never once felt this way until recently. And it’s heartbreaking.”

A Long Battle with Skin Cancer

Teddi Mellencamp’s cancer journey began in October 2022 when she was first diagnosed with skin cancer. Over the next year, she underwent multiple biopsies and surgeries, eventually revealing in early 2024 that the cancer had progressed to stage 4 and spread to her brain and lungs.

In February, she underwent emergency surgery to remove several brain tumors. But by April, new tumors had appeared. Despite these setbacks, Mellencamp kept her spirits high. She has also been regularly updating her fans with health progress, including the encouraging news just two months ago that her tumors were visibly shrinking.

“And then today I had the scan where they checked my lungs, and they are shrinking, and one of them has shrunk so much you can barely even see it,” she had shared at the time.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—the most aggressive form, which can spread to other organs if not detected early.

While treatable in early stages, late-stage skin cancer that metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body) becomes significantly harder to control. Treatments often include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer therapies like immunotherapy. Mellencamp’s cancer appears to be an advanced form, as it is in Stage IV and has spread to other parts of her body, requiring constant monitoring and multidisciplinary care.

Despite filing for divorce in November 2024, Edwin Arroyave, her husband has remained by Mellencamp’s side throughout her cancer treatment. “He’s had to step in and help me because I, some days, can’t do it,” she admitted during the podcast. “Nothing’s changed in that other than that [we’re] on hold because of what’s happening to me medically.”

For now, Mellencamp is focusing on recovery and regaining enough strength to resume treatment. “I can do all the things,” she said hopefully. “Just not today—but maybe soon.”

World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is observed every year on July 25 to mark the groundbreaking advancements in infertility treatment and assisted reproductive technology (ART).

It celebrates the efforts of scientists, embryologists, and clinicians who have helped transform the dreams of parenthood into reality for millions of couples worldwide. On this day, medical communities globally, particularly those specializing in fertility, organize seminars, workshops, and symposiums to share knowledge, explore the latest innovations, and raise awareness about infertility.

World IVF Day, History And Origin

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once fertilized, the embryo is transferred into the uterus to establish a successful pregnancy. IVF has brought hope to countless families struggling with infertility—especially those for whom traditional conception is not possible.

The origin of World IVF Day dates back to July 25, 1978, when Louise Brown, the world’s first "test-tube baby," was born in England.

This revolutionary birth was made possible through the combined efforts of Dr. Robert Edwards, Dr. Patrick Steptoe, and nurse Jean Purdy, who carried out the pioneering IVF work at Dr. Kershaw’s Cottage Hospital. After years of failures, including 102 unsuccessful embryo transfers, their success reshaped reproductive medicine forever.

Dr. Steptoe’s expertise in laparoscopy and Dr. Edwards’ research in embryology laid the foundation for this monumental achievement.

World IVF Day 2025: This Year’s Theme

The theme for World IVF Day 2025 is “Science of Life: Ethics, Innovation, and Hope.”

This theme pays tribute to the role of embryologists, the often unsung heroes behind the scenes, and the ethical frameworks that guide IVF practices.

It stresses the importance of responsible innovation in reproductive technology while reinforcing the core reason behind these efforts: to offer hope to those longing to become parents. With rapid progress in areas like genetic testing, embryo freezing, and preimplantation diagnostics, the conversation around ethics and accessibility is more relevant than ever.

Why The World IVF Day Matters: The Day's Significance

Louise Brown’s birth wasn’t just a medical marvel; it symbolized the start of a new era. Choosing July 25th as World IVF Day commemorates that moment of breakthrough and honors the relentless perseverance of scientists and doctors who refused to give up. Today, this date is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of how science can bridge the gap between despair and possibility for families worldwide.

The Growing Need: Infertility by the Numbers

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, affects one in six people globally, according to WHO estimates.

For every 100 couples trying to conceive naturally, about 84 will succeed within a year, 92 by two years, and only 93 by three years.

If conception doesn’t occur within three years, the chances of natural pregnancy drop to just 25%.

Meanwhile, fertility rates are dropping globally. In 1950, women had an average of 4.7 children; by 2017, that number halved to 2.4, and it's expected to reach 1.7 by 2100, according to The Lancet. In 23 countries, including Spain and Japan, the population is projected to halve due to declining fertility. In such circumstances, IVF and related technologies aren’t just a personal lifeline—they are becoming a societal necessity.

Doctors often stress that lifestyle changes can reduce infertility risks:

For Women:

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
• Don’t delay conception unnecessarily.
• Engage in moderate exercise.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.

For Men:

• Refrain from smoking, alcohol, and illegal drug use.
• Wear loose, breathable undergarments.
• Maintain a balanced weight.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources (like saunas and hot tubs).

Ready meals could save us a lot of time, but at what cost? Your life. They taste great and are available at every major supermarket. But what happens when convenience turns into catastrophe? This very question is now haunting shoppers across Ireland and the UK after a listeriosis outbreak claimed a life and triggered widespread recalls of chilled ready meals.

The outbreak has been traced back to Ballymaguire Foods, a supplier whose products were sold at major chains like Aldi and Tesco. One adult has already died after falling ill from a contaminated dish, and more cases are under investigation. This isn’t just a random scare; it’s a sharp reminder that foodborne infections can hit fast and hit hard.

What is Listeriosis?

Caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, listeriosis might sound like just another food-related illness. But for vulnerable groups, it’s anything but trivial. Those most at risk include older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants. In fact, earlier this year, listeria-contaminated chocolate desserts linked to NHS hospitals were associated with three deaths. And now, it’s happened again, this time via ready meals.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Signs usually show up a few days after eating contaminated food and often mimic a common flu: high fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For most people, these pass within a few days. But when they don’t, or if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to potentially fatal complications like meningitis.

Not Just ‘Old People’s Illness’

While the recent victims of the outbreak were aged between 68 and 89, age isn’t the only factor that increases vulnerability. Babies can be affected too, often showing signs like irritability or poor feeding. Pregnant women may notice abdominal pain or reduced foetal movement. And anyone with a weakened immune system, from chemotherapy patients to people living with diabetes, is at risk of severe illness. So while most of us might brush off a bit of food poisoning, listeriosis is in a league of its own.

Supermarkets in Panic Mode

After the tragic death in Ireland, supermarkets scrambled to recall dozens of ready-to-eat products. Ballymaguire Foods' dishes, commonly stocked in fridges across Tesco and Aldi, were swiftly pulled from shelves. Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued urgent notices recalling a broad range of chilled desserts like mousses, yoghurts and cream rolls, many of which had been supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.

Why the panic? Because once listeria is detected in a production batch, it signals a potential contamination risk across all connected products. And in places like hospitals or care homes, even a small mistake can be deadly.

How to Avoid Listeriosis And Keep Your Fridge From Becoming a Biohazard

Most listeriosis cases are preventable. The bacteria thrives in cold environments, especially on ready-to-eat chilled foods that aren’t reheated before consumption. But with a few smart hygiene and storage habits, you can dramatically cut down your risk.

Here’s what experts recommend:

• Keep your fridge at 5 degrees Celsius or below. Anything higher, and you’re basically inviting bacteria to the party.
• Don’t let ready meals loiter. Eat them within four hours of removing them from the fridge.
• Check those use-by dates. Not ‘best before’; we’re talking the real deadline. Don’t mess around with expired food.
• Separate raw and ready-to-eat items. Think of it as a hygiene social distancing rule.
• Cook properly. Even if the packaging says ‘microwave for 3 minutes’, make sure the food is steaming hot all the way through.
• Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and scrub well, especially after handling raw food.
• Use food quickly after opening. If the label says ‘consume within two days’, take it seriously.