Aug 3rd, 2005 · A brain-dead woman kept on life support for three months to sustain a pregnancy gave birth in Virginia Tuesday. Her daughter, Susan Ann Catherine Torres, was born via cesarean section, weighing 1 lb. 13 oz. The mother, Susan Torres, 26, had her life support removed Wednesday. Melissa Block talks with Dr. Frank Chervenak, of New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Jun 30th, 2005 · A new blood test can reportedly determine the sex of a fetus as early as five weeks into a pregnancy, with nearly 100 percent accuracy. But some doctors have expressed concerns over the ethics of this new product.
Apr 17th, 2005 · The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing a case that tests the government's right to deny medical insurance funds for an abortion. The case involves a navy wife who aborted her pregnancy when she found out that the fetus had a severe abnormality known as anencephaly.
Dec 8th, 2004 · A new program gives first-time single, poor mothers guidance from trained nurses. The nurses supervise the pregnancy and the first two years of the baby's life. According to the journal Pediatrics, the program is cheaper and more effective than any other early intervention plan. Hear NPR's Michelle Trudeau.
Nov 16th, 2004 · NPR's Joanne Silberner reports on the Federal Drug Administration's announcement of new warning language for labels on the drug Mifepristone, also known as RU-486. Both abortion-rights supporters and abortion opponents contend the FDA is putting politics over safety in their handling of the drug, which can be used for non-surgical termination of early pregnancy, defined as 49 days or less.