What We’re Reading: Social Media’s Mental Health Crisis; Texas Abortion Ban Lawsuit; Fentanyl Penalty Bill

Social Media Use Linked to Teenage Depression and Anxiety

A report by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, warns about the detrimental effects of social media use on the mental health of teenagers, including depression and anxiety, according to NBC News. The advisory calls for policymakers and social media companies to share the responsibility of managing children's social media use and recommends implementing strong safety standards. It also highlights the need to protect adolescents and teens from harmful content and excessive usage, urging parents to create tech-free zones and engage in conversations about the emotional impact of social media on their children.

More Women Join Lawsuit Against Texas

Eight additional women have joined an existing lawsuit against the state of Texas, arguing that the state's abortion bans endanger their health or lives when facing pregnancy-related medical emergencies, according to NPR. The lawsuit, initially filed by 5 women and 2 doctors in March, claims that pregnant patients are being denied abortions despite serious medical complications. The Center for Reproductive Rights, representing the plaintiffs, is seeking a temporary injunction to block Texas' abortion bans in cases of pregnancy complications.

White House Backs Legislation in Fight Against Fentanyl Trafficking

The White House has expressed its support for the HALT Fentanyl Act, led by 2 House Republicans, which aims to strengthen and enforce penalties for fentanyl trafficking and provide more resources to combat the drug, according to The Hill. Additionally, the legislation seeks to permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances that are not currently listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and allocate additional research resources for these substances. The White House sees these provisions as crucial in its efforts to address the supply of illicit fentanyl-related substances and save lives.