In a state that favors abortion rights, the group uses a network of ardent volunteers and the “golden ticket” of its candidate endorsements to restrict abortion access. It hopes to make more gains in 2020.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers health care and aging for Bridge Michigan, focusing on a state that is aging faster than most. She has led investigations tracking opioid settlement money and health care worker shortages, and previously spent six years at the Detroit Free Press covering the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She holds a master's degree from Lourdes University in Toledo.
Robin and her husband raised two children in southeast Michigan — and have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Medicaid rules change soon. Can cool envelopes help avoid confusion?
New work rules go into effect in January for Healthy Michigan beneficiaries. Gleaning lessons from a debacle in Arkansas over similar changes, Michigan is stepping up efforts to communicate the changes.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Vaping may be bad for teens. But will Michigan’s ban hurt smokers trying to quit?
Some worry an all-out ban on flavored e-cigarettes will take them away from adults who use them -‒ effectively, according to some studies -‒ to kick smoking.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
HPV cancer rates are up. Yet many Michigan doctors won’t talk about it.
The conversation can be awkward, but it also can save lives and prevent human papillomavirus. Some doctors and dentists avoid discussing vaccinations because the virus is sexually transmitted.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Planned Parenthood says 42,000 in Michigan at risk from abortion ‘gag rule’
The group said it would withdraw from a federal funding program for low-income patients, citing a rule banning clinics from making abortion referrals to other doctors. Anti-abortion group calls the decision ideological.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Can Mike Duggan demolish his way to a safer Detroit? Studies say maybe
Two studies suggest homicides and aggravated assaults in Detroit dropped more in areas with moderate demolitions. The research, while inconclusive, comes as the mayor prepares to ask voters for more money for the demo blitz.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan doctors reach out to LGBTQ community to narrow health disparities
Simple steps like changing pronouns on intake forms can make a big difference, while other clinics are increasing outreach and services to the LGBTQ community.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
In quiet decision, Michigan continues Medicaid coverage of gender changes
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration OKs coverage of hormone replacement, breast removal and other procedures. Critics say taxpayers shouldn’t fund such care.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
U-M study finds surprising abusers of opioids: new mothers. The fix is easy.
A University of Michigan study of national data finds that 1 in 100 new moms or more kept refilling prescriptions long after babies arrived.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Rural Michigan needs doctors. Paying their debts may be an answer
Lawmakers eye expansion of program that pays student debt of medical professionals who practice in underserved areas, as the Michigan doctor shortage intensifies.