Health Care Access

Photo of a vaccine.

Why Are Ethical Concerns Blocking the Progress of COVID-19 Vaccine Efforts?

Akpabio Akpabio and Utibe Effiong

Ultimately, vaccines are beneficial, and human trials are essential in determining the safety of any vaccine. But how do we select candidates for vaccine tests? Fallout from unethical experiments is persistent, and we must insist on the most ethical and medically accurate appraisals of the vaccine landscape.

Adult daughter and father sitting at a restaurant reading paper.

Caring for Our Caregivers: The Unrecognized and Undervalued Family Caregiver

Minakshi Raj, PhD ’20

For years we have known that the US does not have a sufficient health care workforce to provide adequate health care for older adults. The current pandemic makes the situation all the more pressing. Now is the time to revisit and revise our policies and practices to reduce the burden of suffering for older Americans and their caregivers.

People holding a sign that says

Coronavirus and Immigration: ICE Reductions Are Too Little, Too Late

William D. Lopez and Nicole L. Novak

In the face of decades of mistrust and fear, the operational changes proposed by ICE are paltry. Now more than ever, say Lopez and Novak, is the time to prioritize human dignity and public health and to allow immigrant communities to shelter safely in place.

Black Mother holding a newborn baby

State of Maternal Mortality: The Inequitable Burden on Black Mothers

Kyle Simone Nisbeth

In the US, Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. The majority of these deaths are preventable, introducing tough questions for health care. Through awareness and advocacy, says Kyle Nisbeth, we can ensure that these burdens are mitigated and that Black mothers and babies receive the care they need to thrive.