 I’ve been getting a lot of questions this week about the headlines coming out of the HHS, and honestly, I’m just as concerned as many of you are. Since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took over, we’ve seen a lot of talk about "health freedom," but what happened over the last few days is moving us away from actual medical science and toward some pretty dangerous territory for moms and babies. First, the change in how we handle the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns is a major step backward. The new guidance at the CDC is moving away from the universal birth dose. The logic being used in Washington is that if a mom tests negative, the baby isn't at risk. But as someone who lives in the delivery room, I can tell you that tests aren't perfect, and "low risk" doesn't mean "no risk." We’ve spent decades virtually eliminating this virus in infants, and it feels like we’re intentionally inviting it back into our nurseries. Even more heartbreaking is the shift in how we’re talking about maternal mortality. This past week was Black Maternal Health Week, yet we’re seeing a directive to scrub terms like "Black" from federal health funding and research. If we aren't allowed to name the problem—that Black women in this country are dying at three times the rate of white women—we can’t fix it. Cutting hundreds of millions in research funding for these programs isn't "efficiency," it’s a direct threat to the lives of my patients. I know the news is a whirlwind, and it’s hard to know who to trust. But my advice hasn’t changed. I don't make recommendations based on who is sitting in a cabinet position in DC; I make them based on the peer-reviewed data that keeps you and your baby safe. If you’re feeling anxious or confused about these changes, please don’t just sit with it. Bring it up at our next appointment. My door is always open. www.ruthhaskinsmd.com #OBGYN #ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd
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 A Message to My Patients Regarding Recent Vaccine Headlines Many of you have questions about the recent changes to federal vaccine recommendations coming out of Washington and the legal battles following them. As an OBGYN, my priority is the health of you and your baby. While federal policies under the current HHS administration are in a state of flux, I want to clarify how we are handling things at our practice: • Evidence-Based Care: We continue to follow the clinical guidelines set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Even though ACOG recently withdrew from the federal advisory committee (ACIP) due to concerns over scientific integrity, their commitment to patient safety hasn't wavered. • California Protections: Thanks to California’s Assembly Bill 144, our state continues to recommend and require insurance coverage for the vaccines that were standard as of January 1, 2025—including the Tdap, Flu, and COVID-19 shots for pregnant women. • Your Choice, Your Care: My door is always open to discuss your concerns. We believe in "shared clinical decision-making" that is backed by decades of peer-reviewed data. We are staying on top of the court rulings so you don’t have to. Your health is not a political debate; it’s our mission. www.ruthhaskinsmd.com #OBGYN #VaccineSafety #Ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd  Is the "holy grail" of birth control actually on the horizon?
I talk to patients every day who are frustrated by the side effects of hormonal birth control. For decades, the weight of pregnancy prevention has fallen almost entirely on women, while male options have remained stuck at just two: condoms or a permanent vasectomy. But this new research out of Cornell is a total breath of fresh air. Researchers have found a way to target a specific stage of sperm production (meiosis) using a non-hormonal approach. In a recent study, they were able to effectively "turn off" fertility temporarily without causing any permanent damage. From a clinical perspective it’s truly reversible: In the trial, sperm production stopped completely during treatment, but normal development resumed within six weeks of stopping. The offspring were healthy, which is a huge green light for safety. Unlike the pill or the shot, which can impact your entire body’s hormonal balance, this method targets the testes directly while leaving stem cells intact. This opens the door for a future where contraception is a shared responsibility, rather than a solo burden. Now, we aren't at the pharmacy just yet. The specific molecule used in this study (JQ1) isn't safe for humans quite yet due to potential side effects, but it provides the exact "blueprint" needed to develop a human-safe version—likely as a simple periodic injection or a patch. An exciting male centric contraception development indeed! www.ruthhaskinsmd.com #OBGYN #BirthControl #HealthEquity #ruthhaskinsmd #ladydocfolsom  The first photos from yesterday’s lunar flyby are simply stunning. Every day I get to be part of life beginning here on Earth and it’s humbling to see just how far we can go beyond it. 🌎  April is here bringing sunshine, fresh energy, and the joy of spring in full bloom. With Easter around the corner and longer, warmer days ahead, it’s a natural time to reset, recharge, and refocus on your health. As you settle into the new season, remember to prioritize your well-being too. April is a perfect time to schedule your annual exam, check in on your reproductive health, or simply come in for a conversation about how you’re feeling. Our team is here with the compassionate, personalized care you trust to support you through all stages of life, along with every season of the year. |
AuthorDr. Haskins brings over 30 years of experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology As a former CMA President, she is actively involved in the political process and is well known at the state capitol and in congress as a passionate advocate for women's health care. Archives
May 2026
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