What We're Reading: Abbott to Resume Formula Production; 2 Strains of Monkeypox; Impact of SCOTUS Decision on IVF, Embryo Genetic Testing

Abbott Nutrition Has Resumed Formula Production

Abbott Nutrition resumed production of baby formula on Saturday in order to address the nationwide shortage after getting the green light from the FDA. Production of EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas will be the first to restart production, with a product release of June 20 as the target date, according to CNBC. Abbott Nutrition was initially closed in February due to contamination. The FDA has said in a statement that it is working diligently to ensure safe resumption of infant formula production. The FDA also said that it hopes that this measure will put more baby formula on the shelves nationwide.

Distinct Monkeypox Strains Could Mean Undetected Spread

A recent genetic analysis of monkeypox cases indicated that there are 2 distinct strains in the United States, which could mean that the virus has been circulating in the country for some time, according to AP News. There are many monkeypox cases with the same strain as the recent cases in Europe; however, the recent analysis showed a different strain as well and both strains were in the United States last year. More analysis will need to be done to determine how long monkeypox has been in the United States. These findings could mean that the virus will be difficult to contain in the future.

Overturning Roe v Wade Could Mean Trouble for IVF and Genetic Testing

The overturning of Roe v Wade could have effects on reproductive medicine at large as state policies could determine how birth control is provided or in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to STAT News. In the states that are expected to ban or limit abortion, lab-made embryos would also have legal protections, which could make IVF more complicated. Preimplantation genetic testing could also come under scrutiny as embryos that aren’t implanted may not be able to be frozen if they are considered people with legal rights. Alabama’s anti-abortion law only applies to embryos in the womb, which would allow IVF; however, experts are still figuring out whether Oklahoma’s anti-abortion law will also extend to IVF.