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Maria Godoy Maria Godoy is a senior editor and correspondent with NPR's Science Desk.
Maria Godoy at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., May 22, 2018. (photo by Allison Shelley) (Square)
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Maria Godoy

Health

Oberlin College students worry Catholic directives could affect contraception access

The college's student health center became the center of a maelstrom this past week, after students learned the Catholic health agency hired to run it follows religious restrictions on contraception.

Oberlin College students worry Catholic directives could affect contraception access

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Health

Getting contraception gets complicated for patients at Catholic hospitals

Many hospitals and health care clinics in the U.S. are affiliated with the Catholic Church, which means religious directives might limit the types of contraception they can offer.

Getting contraception gets complicated for patients at Catholic hospitals

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Health

Americans will soon be able to buy hearing aids without a prescription

Under new FDA rules, people with mild or moderate hearing loss will be able to buy hearing aids over the counter without a prescription as soon as mid-October.

Americans will soon be able to buy hearing aids without a prescription

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Medical Treatments

Hearing aids could be available over the counter as soon as October

The Food and Drug Administration announced that hearing aids, which typically need a prescription, will be available over the counter — making them more accessible and affordable, activists say.

Hearing aids could be available over the counter as soon as October

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Emergency contraception: How it works, how effective it is and how to get it

Plan B is one brand of the emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel, which works by delaying ovulation. It is sold over the counter at pharmacies, but is often kept in locked boxes or is only accessible by asking a pharmacist. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Emergency contraception: How it works, how effective it is and how to get it

Emergency contraceptives and abortion pills are not the same thing, though people often confuse them. Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, it's vital to know the difference — and your options.

Emergency contraception pills are safe and effective, but not always available

The 2021 study found that 32% of pharmacies did not have levonorgestrel, a hormone that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, in stock at all, and of the pharmacies that did have it on the shelf, 70% of them kept it in a locked box. Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Emergency contraception pills are safe and effective, but not always available

To best protect against unintended pregnancy, emergency contraceptives like Plan B or Ella need to be taken within five days of unprotected sex, but a large number of pharmacies don't stock the pills.

Health Care

Where to find emergency contraception now that Roe is gone

With access to safe and legal abortions coming into question, emergency contraception will be more important than ever. However, finding that contraception at the local pharmacy is no easy task.

Where to find emergency contraception now that Roe is gone

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COVID took many in the prime of life, leaving families to pick up the pieces

Christina and James Summers were married for 17 years. Now, she's learning to navigate life without him. "Me and my husband really worked like a team," she says. "My teammate's not here to help me, so I'm really feeling a single mom vibe, just trying to get accustomed to this." Rosem Morton for NPR hide caption

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Rosem Morton for NPR

Shots - Health News

COVID took many in the prime of life, leaving families to pick up the pieces

In the U.S., people of color have been more likely to die at younger ages, especially among lower-income communities. That's had a ripple effect on finances, education and physical and mental health.

COVID took many in the prime of life, leaving families to pick up the pieces

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Children's Health

A mysterious form of hepatitis has appeared in more than 100 children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating more than 100 cases of a mysterious form of hepatitis in young children.

A mysterious form of hepatitis has appeared in more than 100 children

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Here's why you might still want to wear masks on public transport

Travelers sit in a waiting area at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, R.I., on April 19. A federal judge's decision to strike down the federal mask mandate has left travelers to assess the risks of public transit on their own. David Goldman/AP hide caption

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David Goldman/AP

Shots - Health News

Here's why you might still want to wear masks on public transport

Sure, you don't have to wear a mask on airplanes, buses and ride shares anymore, but you still might want to depending on the circumstances. Here's what experts say about the risks.

Health

To wear a mask, or not, on public transportation? Which is the right move for you?

Now that the federal mask mandate on public transport has come to an end, should people continue to wear masks anyway? We explore the latest science on air flow and transmission.

To wear a mask, or not, on public transportation? Which is the right move for you?

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Health

The CDC's mask mandate for public transportation has been reversed

On Monday, a federal judge struck down the CDC's mask mandate for public transportation. Less than 24 hours later, videos emerged on social media of passengers celebrating.

The CDC's mask mandate for public transportation has been reversed

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Do I really need another booster? The answer depends on age, risk and timing

The FDA has authorized second booster shots for people over 50 and for some people who are immunocompromised. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Shots - Health News

Do I really need another booster? The answer depends on age, risk and timing

Health officials argue the protection of the COVID vaccine booster wanes over time and say some people need a second booster. But other infectious disease experts say three shots are enough for now.

Do I really need another booster? The answer depends on age, risk and timing

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Children's Health

Better ventilation means healthier students, but many schools can't afford to upgrade

The better the air quality in schools, the better students do academically and healthier they are. Improving air quality is expensive, so advocates hope money set aside under the Biden Plan will help.

Better ventilation means healthier students, but many schools can't afford to upgrade

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