Kristan Hawkins, who is the head of the national anti-abortion group Students For Life, is used to protests from abortion rights supporters during her college campus tours. However, she is now also facing opposition that too from a surprising source — other anti-abortion activists.

These critics call themselves abortion abolitionists. They have started to show up at Hawkin's events. They also accuse her for being too soft, and calling her a "baby killer". They are now demanding harsher penalties for women who get abortions. Due to the rising tensions, Hawkins has had to increase security and even send alerts to donors to help cover costs. As the Associated Press reports, she now also knows the price of a bomb dog.

Why Abortionists Want Criminal Charges For Women?

Abortion abolitionists believe abortion is murder—and should be treated that way under the law. Unlike mainstream anti-abortion groups, which typically target abortion providers, abolitionists want women who get abortions to be prosecuted, even sentenced to death in some cases. They’ve gained momentum since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 and Republicans took full political control last year.

As of in 2025, lawmakers in 12 states, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma have introduced bills that would allow prosecutors to charge women with homicide for abortions. Though most of these bills have not been passed, the fact that they are being considered shows the influence of abolitionists on abortion rights and health laws in general.

The Division Between The Anti Abortion Movement

Mainstream anti-abortion groups have tried to play down the divisions, focusing on shared goals like defunding Planned Parenthood. But many leaders are growing alarmed at the aggressive tactics and rhetoric coming from abortion abolitionists.

Hawkins herself posted on X in February that she’s more afraid of being attacked by fellow anti-abortion activists than by abortion rights supporters. The backlash was swift: She was called a “demon” and “enemy of God,” and some demanded she resign. Some even said women like her shouldn’t be leading anti-abortion groups at all.

Christian nationalist influencers have also amplified these voices. One podcaster blamed feminism for abortion, saying Christian men should lead the fight.

Experts like Laura Hermer, a law professor in Minnesota, say the fall of Roe has emboldened the most extreme voices. And they’re starting to shape policy.

What All Abortion Bills The US Has Seen?

• In Alabama, lawmakers have proposed a bill recently that could classify abortion as murder.

• In Georgia, a bill with nearly two dozen Republican co-sponsors would make abortion from the moment of fertilization a homicide.

• Similar bills have also been introduced in Kentucky, Missouri, and other states.

A 2022 KFF poll showed that around 80% of Americans oppose laws that would punish women for having abortions. However, Dana Sussman from Pregnancy Justice tells a media outlet that the number of such bills is rising sharply. What once sparked outrage is now becoming normalized.

Some lawmakers and advocates within the anti-abortion movement are pushing back. In North Dakota, a bill to prosecute women failed after major anti-abortion groups voiced opposition. In Oklahoma, a similar bill also died—but its co-sponsor, Sen. Dusty Deevers, said he plans to keep pushing for it, calling it “progress.”

Hawkins said the movement is now split into three groups:

• Those who want to prosecute women,
• Those who firmly oppose it,
• And those who don’t support it now but think that might change in the future.

She places herself in the third category, saying the focus should be on shifting culture and law gradually—not punishing women. “If you want more pro-abortion Democrats to win elections, then keep talking about putting women in jail,” she warned.

As the United States experiences the worst measles outbreak in over a decade with nearly 900 reported cases across 29 states, including deaths of two children, public understanding of the disease and its prevention strategy have been highly misunderstood due to political divide. The outbreak began in West Texas and has now spread widely. This highlights not only the persistent threat of measles but also the growing influence of vaccine misinformation, which have been fueled by political figures.

Why Is There A Resurgence of Preventable Diseases?

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, had been largely controlled in the U.S. thanks to the widespread use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, gaps in vaccination coverage have led to a resurgence. The current outbreak, centered in Texas but extending to almost 30 states, has alarmed public health officials. Two young girls who were otherwise healthy have died as a result of measles complications.

The disease is known for its rapid transmission. A single case can lead to significant spread if vaccination rates in a community fall below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. Children are particularly vulnerable; although the first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically administered at 12 months, increased parental concern has led some to seek earlier vaccination during the outbreak.

The Politics Of Vaccine

As per a new survey by KKF, a nonprofit health information group, only one-third of Republican-leaning parents were aware of the current measles outbreak. This was in comparison with the two-thirds of aware Democratic parents. The survey also found and 1 in 5 Republicans believes that measles vaccine is more dangerous than the diseases itself, this is double the rate of Democrats.

These gaps in perception are not new but are deepening. About 35% of Republicans surveyed believe the discredited theory that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism—a belief held by just 10% of Democrats. While belief in this theory has not increased significantly, public awareness of the claim has grown, reflecting the impact of persistent misinformation.

Adding to the confusion is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Since taking office, he has supported an investigation into environmental contributors to autism and has floated unproven theories, such as vitamin A being a preventative measure against measles. These statements, while not outright opposing vaccines, muddy public understanding and can discourage immunization.

At a time when clear public health messaging is critical, conflicting remarks from top officials are exacerbating distrust. Advocacy organizations like Immunize.org and The Immunization Partnership warn that such mixed messaging, especially when it originates from high-ranking leaders, undermines public confidence in vaccines.

In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, anti-vaccine activism has gained traction within state legislatures. Studies show that even lawmakers with medical backgrounds have not always supported public health measures, often influenced by political considerations and public pressure. Testimony from vaccine opponents at legislative hearings further amplifies misinformation, making it more difficult for facts to gain traction.

Meanwhile, healthcare providers are seeing the consequences firsthand. In California, where a 2014–15 outbreak began at Disneyland, pediatricians have treated severely ill children and taken stricter stances on accepting unvaccinated patients. These outbreaks serve as a stark reminder that the threat of measles is real and recurring.

Every year in April, IBS Awareness Month puts the spotlight on one of the world's most misunderstood and elusive gastrointestinal disorders—Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Affecting about 10% of the world's population, IBS has puzzled physicians and researchers for years. Though its chronic and interruptive symptoms—abdominal pain and bloating on one end, constipation and diarrhea on the other—there remains no agreement on what actually triggers it. A new, daring theory is disrupting conventional wisdom by posing an unusual question- Is gravity the hidden culprit behind IBS?

Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a Cedars-Sinai Medical Center physician and researcher in Los Angeles, is leading the way to a new perspective on IBS—one that looks at the constant pull of gravity on our bodies. In the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Spiegel's theory is that IBS could be the body's failure to successfully deal with gravity.

It's an interesting concept. "We spend our whole life in gravity, are formed by it, but barely appreciate its constant effect on our body," Spiegel explained in an interview. "Each strand of our body is touched by gravity every day, from the top of our head to our gastrointestinal tract."

From a scientific perspective, this hypothesis borrows from evolutionary biology and neurophysiology. The human body over millennia has evolved complex systems—musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, neurological—to deal with the downward pull of gravity. When these systems fail, Spiegel argues, they can initiate not only gastrointestinal symptoms but also a cascade of other complaints—muscle pain, fatigue, changed mood, and more.

What is the Gut-Brain Axis and the Roller Coaster Effect?

At its core is the connection between the gut and the brain—a widely documented characteristic of IBS. Individuals with IBS tend to experience a knotted stomach upon stress or a sensation of "butterflies" in stressful situations. Such gut feeling, as Spiegel speculates, may be attributed to the nervous system's adaptation to threats from gravity, such as the free-falling experience on a roller coaster.

"Our nervous system has mechanisms for perceiving and reacting to changes in gravity," he added. "When it flakes out or overcompensates, it may show up as IBS symptoms." This is related to another fascinating twist: the difference between individuals' reactions to gravitational stress. There are those who love roller coasters; others get nauseated or frantic—implying a continuum of what Spiegel refers to as G-force vigilance.

This might explain why IBS tends to overlap with disorders such as anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome—all of which could potentially have an underlying sensitivity to gravitational stress.

Link Between IBS and Gravity

Spiegel's theory also explores deeper into anatomy. The abdominal cavity houses heavy organs that need to be "suspended" effectively. Genetic predispositions—lax connective tissues, a weak diaphragm, or spinal misalignments in some—may lead to sagging or movement of organs, including the intestines. The downward movement could affect motility, lead to cramping, and result in bacterial overgrowth—all prevalent in IBS.

In addition, the hypothesis delves into serotonin's role. This mood-regulating neurotransmitter also facilitates balance, blood circulation, and the movement of intestinal contents. "Dysregulated serotonin," Spiegel explains, "could actually be a type of gravity failure," which may connect depression, IBS, and even dizziness in a common physiological cycle.

What It Means for Treatment and Prevention

If confirmed, the gravity hypothesis has the potential to transform how we conceptualize—and treat—IBS. "The beauty of it is that it's testable," said Dr. Shelly Lu, director of the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases at Cedars-Sinai. Unlike so many vague IBS theories, this one invites us to the possibility of targeted interventions.

This hypothesis can also assist us in better comprehending the reason why exercise, posture correction, core strengthening, and physical therapy work for most IBS sufferers. By fortifying the structural support system of the body, these strategies might decrease gravity's effect on the gut.

Symptoms, Triggers, and the IBS Daily Struggle

IBS is an individualized disease. Symptoms range widely and may include:

• Abdominal bloating, pain, and cramping related to bowel movements
• Alterations in stool appearance or frequency
• A feeling of not fully emptying the bowels, gas, and mucus in stool

Its triggers are also multifactorial. Stress and some foods—dairy, citrus, beans, wheat, and carbonated beverages—may exacerbate symptoms. Although food intolerances are not the cause in every case, many individuals find significant symptom relief through diet, such as a low FODMAP diet.

IBS isn't only an intestinal affliction—it can also blow a person's life off track. Chronic patients usually suffer from complications such as hemorrhoids due to constant diarrhea or constipation, and generally decreased quality of life. Research indicates that individuals with moderate to severe IBS experience three times more work absences compared to others. The psychological price is high too—aún and depression often accompany one another in IBS, one worsening the other.

Could this be the long-lost piece to a hundred-year-old puzzle? Maybe. Although further research is necessary to establish the gravity connection, the theory is already creating new avenues for comprehension and healing.

If you have ongoing digestive problems, see a healthcare provider. IBS is a treatable condition, and treatment options can involve medication, counseling, physical therapy, or dietary changes depending on your individual symptoms.

US childhood vaccination rates have taken a disturbing decline, exacerbated by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not simply a statistic—but a warning sign of future health threats. The effects are already being seen, with measles rebounding and potentially the return of other diseases once brought under control, such as rubella and polio. A recent Stanford Medicine study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, paints a dire picture: a 10% decline in vaccination rates could result in millions of measles cases over the next 25 years.

The rising danger of preventable illness, and the reason why vaccination is key to protecting public health. From the emergence of vaccine hesitancy to the surging spread of measles.

The drop in childhood vaccinations in the U.S. has been a rising concern among health professionals. Although the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic were a major factor, the trend of declining immunization rates is not new. For years, growing vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation, political controversy, and skepticism about health systems, has fueled a change in public perception, particularly among parents. Consequently, fewer kids are getting the necessary vaccines and diseases that previously were under control are now being a threat again.

The research done by a group of researchers from Stanford, together with other universities' experts, shows the risk of measles becoming endemic again in the U.S. It might occur in as little as two decades if the vaccination rate is sustained at current levels. Nevertheless, a 10 percent decline in the rate of vaccinations could make things even worse, and millions of individuals could become susceptible to infection, hospitalizations, and death.

Measles is the most infectious disease on Earth, with the potential to spread quickly through populations. Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the illness was rampant throughout the U.S., affecting millions of individuals annually. Indeed, before the vaccine, an estimated 3 million to 4 million individuals were infected with the disease every year, with 400 to 500 deaths, 48,000 hospitalizations, and 1,000 instances of brain swelling (encephalitis).

As per the CDC, measles remains a lethal disease, primarily for children. It spreads via respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and symptoms may range from fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red, blotchy rash. As the disease is vaccine-preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, unvaccinated individuals are at the greatest risk of being infected and infecting others.

The recent study by Stanford researchers utilized large-scale epidemiological modeling to simulate how infectious diseases like measles would spread across the United States based on different levels of childhood vaccination coverage. The results are concerning. Even at current vaccination rates, the study suggests that measles could re-emerge as an endemic disease in the U.S. within the next two decades. A mere 10 percentage point reduction in vaccination coverage would accelerate this process significantly, potentially resulting in millions of measles cases in the next 25 years.

Dr. Nathan Lo, a Stanford physician and the study's senior author, underscored the seriousness of the situation. "Our nation is at a tipping point for measles to become a routine household disease again," he said. "The declining routine childhood vaccinations, coupled with increasing vaccine hesitancy, may send us to a place we were working to avoid for decades."

Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Contribution to the Measles Outbreak

The problem of vaccine hesitancy has been a major contributor to the fall in immunization rates. The disinformation regarding the safety and effectiveness of vaccines has instilled fear and confusion, particularly among parents. A KFF survey published in 2025 found that more than half of adults were unsure about whether to believe assertions about the risks of the measles vaccine—assertions that have been magnified by anti-vaccine personalities, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

This widespread misinformation has caused many to doubt the necessity of vaccines for diseases no longer perceived as a threat, like measles. But as recent outbreaks have shown, measles is hardly eradicated and still poses a lethal threat, especially to vulnerable groups like infants, immunocompromised individuals, and the unvaccinated.

Recent measles outbreaks in the U.S. are stark reminders of the risks of low vaccination levels. In 2025 alone, the nation has already seen some 800 cases of measles, the most in a single year since 2019. The largest outbreak took place in West Texas, which had over 620 cases, 64 hospitalizations, and two deaths. These outbreaks are a wake-up call that the U.S. is not immune to outbreaks of this extremely contagious disease.

According to Mathew Kiang, a study co-author, "The impact of waning vaccinations won't be sudden, but the aggregate effect could be devastating. If we do not take action now, we can expect millions of measles cases in the coming years."

What Can Be Done to Prevent a Measles Crisis?

Although the situation is grim, there is hope. Specialists such as Dr. Lo and Kiang propose that even slight increases in vaccination rates could make a significant difference in preventing the spread of measles and other preventable illnesses. A 5 percent boost in vaccination coverage could avert a sharp spike in cases, safeguard vulnerable populations, and ultimately save lives.

Health professionals remind parents to discuss with pediatricians the value of vaccinations and have faith in healthcare professionals' recommendations. Public health officials and policymakers also need to act to address vaccine misinformation and make sure vaccination mandates for school entry are intact.

This study's findings highlight the crucial role that vaccination plays in protecting public health. By potentially preventing millions of cases and countless fatalities, high vaccination coverage needs to be sustained. With the U.S. still struggling to deal with the consequences of declining vaccine coverage, it is vital that both the public and policymakers take proactive measures to ensure that such diseases as measles do not experience a resurgence.

The decision to vaccinate is such a simple choice, but the difference it makes can be gargantuan. It is incumbent on all of us—parents, medical practitioners, and members of society—to take our turn in safeguarding the next generation against the ruining effects of vaccine-preventable diseases. As Dr. Lo highlighted, "Increasing vaccination levels by just 5% can make a world of difference in keeping these diseases at bay."