Why The Five & One?

Because women make up 51% of the population yet still get treated like a special interest group. This newsletter flips that script. Each issue gives you 5 smart takeaways from the world of research, policy, health, wellness, and trends +1 bonus topic just for you.

When women’s health is prioritized, everyone benefits: families, communities, and workplaces.

You’re receiving this because you’re part of our community — as a Member or a Five & One Subscriber. Every other week, you’ll get news, policy updates, and actions that put your voice at the center of changing women’s health. Once a month, Members receive exclusive deep dives into policy, practical health guides, and resources to help you take action. 

We’re building a $900M funding engine for women’s health by making it a mainstream priority. We’re now recruiting our first 1,000 members in stealth.  

Not a member yet? Want to know more? Now’s the time to join us.

We’re always learning about the women’s health system — even after decades of working in it. If we miss something or misspeak below, please reply and let us know so we can correct it in our next issue.

A new study finds rural hospitals are 30% less likely to offer obstetric care within five years of being acquired, worsening maternal care deserts across the U.S. With more than half of rural hospitals already without birthing units and Medicaid cuts on the horizon, access to safe delivery options is shrinking. Experts warn that without policy fixes, geography—not choice—will increasingly determine maternal outcomes.

Source: Healthcare Brew

An increase of the legalization of cannabis in many states may lead some to believe its use during pregnancy is safe as well. And women may be using cannabis because they think that it’s natural or a safer alternative compared to prescription options. This new study offers data about the potential impact on newborns including evidence connecting cannabis use to preterm birth and low birth weight - 50% increased risk for preterm birth; 57% increases risk for low birth weight.

Simply put:

“We don’t have evidence for any amount of cannabis being proven safe in pregnancy, so the safest choice is to avoid it completely." - The New York Times

As always, it’s best for women to consult a doctor before taking anything to control pregnancy side effects.

Source: The New York Times

For a summary without a paywall: ICMGLT

A new Peterson-KFF analysis finds that for people with employer coverage, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care average about $20,416 in total spending, of which around $2,743 is paid out-of-pocket. Costs differ sharply by delivery type: vaginal births average $15,712 (with $2,563 in out-of-pocket), while cesareans average $28,998 (with $3,071 out-of-pocket). Meanwhile, infant and toddler medical costs over the first two years add on another $16,575 (with families paying about $1,511 themselves).

Source: Healthysystemtracker.org

New research suggests that starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) within about five years of menopause may lower women’s Alzheimer’s risk by 20–32%, while beginning HRT at age 65 or later could raise it by up to 38%. The findings support the “timing hypothesis,” which holds that estrogen’s brain-protective effects depend on when treatment begins. Researchers believe early HRT may help preserve neural connections affected by menopause-related estrogen loss. Still, experts caution that more long-term studies are needed before changing clinical guidance.

Source: New Scientist

"Advancing women’s health is a win for everyone, cutting across age, race, geography, and political persuasion. There is no red or blue in the exam room." -Maria Shriver

U.S. women’s health remains severely underfunded despite rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black women. While private donors have boosted funding through major philanthropic efforts, experts say these initiatives can’t replace consistent federal investment. Sustainable progress, they argue, depends on long-term government commitment to research, care access, and prevention programs. The lack of coordinated national funding has left critical gaps in maternal health infrastructure, data collection, and community-based care. Experts warn that without systemic reform, preventable deaths will continue to rise even as short-term philanthropic efforts expand.

Source: Time.com

A new lab study suggests that microplastic particles can alter the gut microbiome, changing bacterial activity in ways that resemble patterns associated with conditions like depression and colorectal cancer. Researchers exposed healthy gut microbiome samples to microplastics at levels similar to real-world exposure and observed increased acidity and notable shifts in microbial balance. While the results don’t prove causation, they raise concerns that ongoing microplastic exposure could influence gut health and disease risk, underscoring the need for further long-term research.

You might have heard or read a lot about microplastics and this recent article is another entry into this research. It's a small sample but supports other concerning findings.

Source: Newsweek