Medieval Catholics may have held more progressive views towards abortion than some people today. St. Hildegard von Bingen was a German nun who, among other procedures, conducted medicinal abortions using various herbs and plants. While abortion was still seen as a sin, she and several other medieval Catholic women were sympathetic; with the significant risks of childbirth at the time, these nuns saw abortion as acceptable as it would preserve the mothers’ health and well-being, possibly saving her life. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
