Canada removes ban on blood donations from gay men
Prospective donors will not be asked about their sexual orientation during the screening process but instead about whether they engage in any higher-risk sexual behavior.
BBC
Amazon will pay U.S. staff travel expenses for abortions and other treatments
The new benefits will apply to treatments that are not available inside a 100-mile radius of an employee’s home and for which virtual options are not available.
New pregnancy risk tool cuts baby loss in Black and Asian women
In a study of 20,000 pregnant women, baby death rates in ethnic groups were three times lower than normal when the tool was used.
Wales offers £1,600 a month to care leavers in basic income pilot
Every 18-year-old leaving care will be offered £1,600 a month for two years.
Officials said it was the highest amount offered on a basic income scheme anywhere in the world.
Biggest power plant in coal-reliant Australia to close early
Australia’s largest coal-fired power station will close seven years earlier than planned, as its operator says it is increasingly unable to compete with the “influx of renewables”.
Malta becomes first E.U. nation to legalize cannabis
Equality Minister, Owen Bonnici, said the “historic” move would stop small-time cannabis users from facing the criminal justice system and would help curb drug trafficking.
Pfizer to allow developing nations to make its treatment pill
U.S. drug company Pfizer will allow its experimental Covid-19 treatment pill to be made and sold in 95 developing nations. The deal could make the treatment available to 53% of the world’s population.
HPV vaccine cutting cervical cancer by 87% in the U.K., shows new study
Cancer Research UK described the findings as “historic”, and said it showed the vaccine was saving lives.
NFL to end race-based testing in dementia claims
“Race-norming” made it harder for black players to prove they suffered from injuries linked to their careers. The draft agreement means thousands of retirees may qualify for compensation.
Barbados elects first ever president ahead of becoming republic
The government announced the plan to move to a republic status last year. It said “the time [had] come” for Barbados to “fully leave our colonial past behind”.