Birth of Octuplets Puts IVF in the Spotlight
In the wake of the birth of octuplets to Nadya Suleman, the New York Times examines the practices and regulations of the fertility industry, including norms around number of embryos implanted.  The Times observes, "Nearly a third of in vitro births involve twins or more. The government, along with professional associations, have been pushing fertility doctors to reduce that number, citing the disastrous health consequences that sometimes come with multiple births — infant mortality, low birth weights, long-term disabilities and thousands of dollars’ worth of medical care... But unlike some other countries, the United States has no laws to enforce those guidelines."  Economic issues play a role in women's desire to see multiple embryos implanted: "One cycle of in vitro fertilization costs about $12,000. Women who are not successful the first time often try again and again, which can push the cost of having a baby to more than $100,000. Because the technology is often not covered by insurance, doctors say they are constantly urged by patients to implant extra embryos."

FDA Forces Bayer to Run Corrective Commercials About Yaz
Ads for the best-selling birth control drug, Yaz, emphasized the drug's ability to treat acne and PMS symptoms, claims that are over-stated and unsupported, and now the FDA is forcing Bayer to run corrective commercials, the New York Times reports.  "By giving consumers the impression that Yaz was generally a drug for acne and general mood problems, the company’s ads ran afoul of federal laws against promoting the unapproved uses of a drug, the F.D.A. said. The agency approved Yaz in 2006 as a birth control pill that has a side benefit in treating mood-related psychological problems called premenstrual dysphoric disorder."  Bayer has marketed Yaz as a "lifestyle drug," the Times reports. 

Missouri House Adopts Resolution Opposing FOCA
The Missouri House has approved a non-binding resolution opposing the Freedom of Choice Act, reports the Associated Press.  "The measure states that Missouri regulations at risk could include bans on certain late-term abortions and mandatory parental consent for minors."

Significant Percentage of Obama Voters Identify as Anti-Choice, U of Arizona Study Finds
John Green of the University of Arizona tells Steven Waldman about a yet-unreleased study that found "about a quarter of Obama's vote came from pro-lifers, defined as people "wanting serious restrictions on abortion, but not necessarily a full ban on abortions." What's more, Green will report, about one third of young voters who went for Obama are pro-life."  Waldman wants the anti-choice coalition of Obama's electorate to be respected.  He doesn't explain why only pro-choicers should be "delighted" by the repeal of the global gag rule, which will only decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies worldwide by permitting family planning clinics to provide safe abortion care with their own funds while receiving US funding to provide contraceptive services.

Other News to Note

Feb 11: Huffpo: Bono: The Real Deal With AIDS

Feb 10: TodaysTHV.com: Update: Abortion Bill Passed By Committee

Feb 10: AP: Ark. panel advances bill on late-term abortions

Feb 10: AP: Ind. Senate backs tougher law on abortion doctors

Feb 11: AP: Ruling imminent on charges against Kansas abortion provider

Feb 11: Arizona Republic: Bill would let doctors refuse to do
abortions if Legislature OKs

Feb 11: Catholic News Agency: Catholics in Alliance study on
abortion reduction found to be faulty

Feb 11: Keloland TV: Panel Kills Plan For Pre-Abortion Meeting

Feb 11: SC Politics Today: Abortion, payday lending bills could come up today

Feb 11: AP: Obama treads fine line on church, state

Feb 11: AP: Abortion again in front of Legislature

Feb 11: Catholic Sentinel: Plumber pressured on abortion clinic work

Feb 11: KSL.com: Sex education at center of Legislative bill