Daily Skimm: IVF, Snowden, and NASA

IVF

The Story

Frozen embryos may lead to a higher risk of hypertensive disorders.

What?

A new study found that in vitro fertilization (IVF) — under certain conditions — could lead to a “substantially higher risk” of pregnancy complications related to high blood pressure. Aka hypertensive disorders. The study looked at about 4.5 million women over three decades in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. And while the risk of hypertensive disorders during IVF was generally considered low, women who used frozen embryos were about 2-3% more at risk than those who used fresh embryos or conceived naturally. But when researchers adjusted for existing conditions, the risk factor skyrocketed. Women who used frozen embryos and were already dealing with high blood pressure and obesity reportedly saw a 74% increase in risk (age was apparently also a factor). Important to note: hypertensive disorders can put the mom and baby in danger, during pregnancy and even after delivery. But there’s good news…

Tell me.

Experts say “most IVF pregnancies are healthy and uncomplicated.” High blood pressure is also both preventable and treatable. Doctors say the study highlights the need to weigh all the risks that come with IVF. And for both patients and doctors to be especially on alert for symptoms. The report could not answer why frozen embryos have a higher risk of pregnancy complications. But said that future research should look into it.

theSkimm

IVF is just one of the many options women can take in their fertility journey. It normally involves emotional, physical, and costly decisions. And being aware of the risks can help people prepare.

And Also...This

Who’s nyet planning on coming back anytime soon…

Edward Snowden. Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin granted the former National Security Agency contractor (turned self-proclaimed whistleblower) Russian citizenship. Reminder: back in 2013, Snowden was granted asylum in Russia after leaking hundreds of thousands of classified docs that exposed the NSA's massive phone data collection program. Two years ago, he was granted permanent residency in Russia. Now, Moscow has granted him and 75 other foreign nationals citizenship.

• An ongoing case: Snowden still faces espionage charges in the US over the leak. And in the past, Putin has refused to extradite him. He could face up to 30 years in prison if he returns.

Who’s calling for accountability…

Some UN countries. Yesterday, the US and countries like Sweden, Canada, and Denmark called on the UN Human Rights Council to debate China's treatment of its Uyghur population. Saying the UN “must not, cannot, stay silent.” Since 2017, the Chinese gov has detained more than 1 million Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in the northwest Xinjiang region. And has reportedly kept them in forced labor camps and forcibly sterilized women. The call to action comes a month after the UN released a long-awaited report accusing China of committing human rights violations. The debate apparently needs to be approved by a majority vote in order to happen next year. It would be the first time that alleged human rights abuses in China would appear on the UN’s agenda. But China is also one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council — meaning, it has veto power, including over resolutions to suspend or expel members for human rights abuses.

What's roaring...

The Dow. Yesterday, it became the last big US stock index to fall into a bear market. Think: when prices drop (usually at least 20% from a recent high) for a sustained period of time, and investors get nervous. Its tumble is adding to concerns about a potential global recession.

Who did a ‘lightsaber’ drop...

James Earl Jones.

What’s rocking our world…

NASA’s crashing spacecraft. 

What we could all use a bit more of...

Good news.