Trump administration ends 988 Lifeline's special service for LGBTQ+ young people

This investigation reveals a troubling trend in the U.S. organ donation system: hospitals and procurement organizations, pushed by federal targets to boost transplant numbers, are allegedly cutting corners—sometimes with dangerous consequences. Reporter Brian M. Rosenthal uncovers cases where patients were pressured into donations or faced harm due to rushed processes, exposing systemic flaws in a life-or-death industry.

Editor’s Note: Organ donation is supposed to save lives, but when speed trumps safety, it can backfire catastrophically. This story matters because it challenges trust in a system families rely on during vulnerable moments—and hints at deeper issues when bureaucracy overrides patient care. If true, these failures demand urgent fixes before more people get hurt.

Organ donation is a lifeline for thousands, yet despite broad approval, there’s lingering confusion about what actually happens when you register as a donor. This piece breaks down the practical steps—from signing up to how organs are allocated—so people can make informed decisions without the guesswork.

Editor’s Note: With organ shortages still a critical issue, demystifying the donation process could encourage more people to sign up—and ultimately save more lives. It’s not just about good intentions; clarity helps turn support into action.

Some hospitals and transplant programs are aggressively pushing to increase organ donations—often with good intentions—but critics warn that the pressure is leading to rushed decisions and inadequate care for living donors, putting their health and even lives at risk. Reports suggest corners are being cut in evaluations, follow-ups, and even surgical standards, all in the name of saving more lives through transplants.

Editor’s Note: Organ transplants save lives, but this story highlights a troubling trade-off: when the system prioritizes quantity over quality, donors—often family members or friends—can end up paying the price. It’s a stark reminder that even life-saving efforts need checks and balances to protect everyone involved.

A panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking another look at the safety warnings tied to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. The therapy, which helps ease symptoms like hot flashes, has been controversial for years due to links to increased risks of breast cancer and heart disease. Now, new research and evolving medical perspectives might lead to updated guidelines—potentially refining who should use HRT and for how long.

The Trump administration is shifting the focus of a federal birth control program originally designed to prevent unintended pregnancies—now aiming to help women get pregnant instead. While details are still emerging, this suggests a major policy pivot toward promoting fertility, likely tied to broader conservative priorities around family values. Critics argue it undermines the program’s core purpose, while supporters see it as empowering women who struggle with infertility.