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HLTHNBC News

Trump’s FDA pick to face scrutiny over abortion pill access at confirmation hearing

Photo: Annabelle Gordon

Dr. Heidi Overton, a fierce opponent of abortion rights, is set to appear before senators Thursday for her confirmation hearing to lead the Food and Drug Administration.

The hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee comes as the FDA faces pressure from Republicans, including the committee’s chair, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., to tighten access to the abortion pill mifepristone.

Cassidy, who is a key vote in Overton’s confirmation, has been pushing the administration to reverse a Biden-era rule that allows mifepristone to be prescribed via telemedicine and sent through the mail.

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HLTHBBC News

NHS staff investigated over access to dead teenager's medical records

The mother of a teenage boy who died in hospital has said she is "deeply concerned and hurt" after learning his medical records may have been accessed inappropriately for years after his death. Paula McGowan, whose 18-year-old autistic son Oliver died in 2016, was told that at least five members of staff at Bristol Foundation NHS Trust may have accessed his records without permission as recently as this year. Three nursing staff are under formal investigation, while a doctor who no longer works for the trust has self-referred to the General Medical Council. Another member of staff is having their case reviewed separately.

HLTHBBC News

Barrecore and Boom Cycle owner suddenly shuts studios

The fitness company behind high-end exercise classes Barrecore, Boom Cycle, and Kobox has suddenly shut all its studios. Common Bond emailed customers announcing its locations, all of which are currently in London, were closed "until further notice". The firm describes itself as a wellness collective and charges £2,400 for 12 months of unlimited classes. It also runs Reformcore and Triyoga brands and said in August last year it had ten sites.