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Early prenatal care improves the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. But a new federal report shows it’s been on the decline. The share of U.S. births to women who began prenatal care in the first trimester dropped from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Meanwhile, starting care later in pregnancy or getting no care at all has been on the rise. Prenatal care beginning in the second trimester rose from 15.4% to 17.3%, and starting care in the third trimester or getting no care went from 6.3% to 7.3%. (Ungar, 2/19)

Dozens of abortion clinics closed in the US after the Supreme Court Dobbs decision revoked the federal right to an abortion in June 2022 — mostly in states that enacted bans. But the churn has continued, leaving even states with some of the most protective abortion policies to do more with less. (McPhillips, 2/18)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center canceled a scheduled talk by an OB-GYN who has provided abortion care later in pregnancy after opponents argued the discussion would be illegal on a public university campus, a claim abortion-rights advocates dispute. (Priest, 2/18)

The Roots Family Center has opened a new space in Denver aimed at expanding its community programs, including a growing doula program that supports families through pregnancy and childbirth. Leaders say the new location will serve as a hub for community support, training, and drop-in services for families navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. For many families, especially those adjusting to a new country, language, or health care system, pregnancy can feel overwhelming. (Arenas, 2/18)

In his 1694 review of magnifying lens technology, “Essai de Dioptrique,” Dutch naturalist Nicolas Hartsoeker included a drawing destined to make a lasting impression on future students of human reproduction. Inside a drop-like form with a long, straight tail is the lower part of a human body, crouched and holding its knees below a large sphere with an open perforation at the top. It’s the most accurate depiction of what sperm was believed to be at the time: containing a full, minuscule human, ready to be implanted and grow in the womb. (Merelli, 2/19)

Women who used menopausal hormone therapy did not have an increased risk of death, and some even had longer survival, according to a large Danish cohort study. (Monaco, 2/18)