Barbara Rodriguez
@bcrodriguez.bsky.social
Reporter at The 19th. 📲 DM for email / Signal
Earlier this month I wrote about why doctors say you can’t compare the United States’ vaccine recommendations to other countries. Evergreen topic amid a lot of emerging headlines. 19thnews.org/2025/12/trum...
Some countries recommend fewer childhood vaccines. That plan is riskier in America.
Comparing the United States’ childhood vaccine schedule to other countries doesn't consider the lack of universal health care, vaccine experts say.
19thnews.org
December 19, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Earlier this month I wrote about why doctors say you can’t compare the United States’ vaccine recommendations to other countries. Evergreen topic amid a lot of emerging headlines. 19thnews.org/2025/12/trum...
Come join us in 2026!
The 19th is hiring two editors!!! (One of whom will edit @chabeli.bsky.social, @bcrodriguez.bsky.social and me!) I am biased, but truly cannot imagine a better place to work, or a better team to join!
19thnews.org/19th-news-ed...
19thnews.org/19th-news-ed...
We're hiring an Editor
The 19th is hiring an editor to work closely with the editorial director to assign, shape, edit and publish stories to fulfill The 19th’s mission of serving women and LGBTQ+ people with timely, high-q...
19thnews.org
December 19, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Come join us in 2026!
Every time you see reports of children being quarantined because of exposure or infection to measles, the ripple effect is not just on health but the economy: Kids have to stay away from the child care centers and schools that help ensure families can work and pay bills: 19thnews.org/2025/07/meas...
When measles hits day cares, there are more than just health concerns
Children’s health is the most immediate challenge amid an exposure, but parents are grappling with tough choices and quarantines.
19thnews.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Every time you see reports of children being quarantined because of exposure or infection to measles, the ripple effect is not just on health but the economy: Kids have to stay away from the child care centers and schools that help ensure families can work and pay bills: 19thnews.org/2025/07/meas...
The impact of ICE arrests is extending into America's child care system: It's reducing the number of immigrant child care workers available — and prompting U.S. mothers with young children to leave their jobs as they scramble for stable care. 19thnews.org/2025/12/ice-...
ICE arrests are forcing American moms to leave their jobs
A new analysis shows that increased immigration enforcement is reducing labor in the child care workforce. The ripple effect is impacting mothers with young children.
19thnews.org
December 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The impact of ICE arrests is extending into America's child care system: It's reducing the number of immigrant child care workers available — and prompting U.S. mothers with young children to leave their jobs as they scramble for stable care. 19thnews.org/2025/12/ice-...
I just wrote about this. If RFK Jr. and the federal government want to encourage more breastfeeding, experts say paid parental leave would help. 19thnews.org/2025/09/gove...
December 8, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I just wrote about this. If RFK Jr. and the federal government want to encourage more breastfeeding, experts say paid parental leave would help. 19thnews.org/2025/09/gove...
There’s more attention today on the childhood vaccine schedule. Here’s what you need to know: 19thnews.org/2025/10/chil...
The childhood vaccine schedule: What is it and why do we need one?
A series of recommended shots that health providers administer to children as they age has been a recent target of President Donald Trump and his administration.
19thnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
There’s more attention today on the childhood vaccine schedule. Here’s what you need to know: 19thnews.org/2025/10/chil...
Medical experts worry today’s vote that ended recommending the newborn hep B vaccine shot for all babies will increase hesitancy among parents about childhood vaccines amid misinformation messaging from the federal government. 19thnews.org/2025/12/vacc...
Vaccine advisory panel votes to end universal newborn hep B shot recommendation
Parents appear to be able to continue to get the hep B vaccine for their kids, but this major shakeup could cause confusion among families and logistical barriers for health providers.
19thnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Medical experts worry today’s vote that ended recommending the newborn hep B vaccine shot for all babies will increase hesitancy among parents about childhood vaccines amid misinformation messaging from the federal government. 19thnews.org/2025/12/vacc...
A federal advisory panel with power over vaccine policy has voted to stop recommending a universal newborn shot to prevent the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver disease — a major shakeup to the childhood vaccine schedule under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 19thnews.org/2025/12/vacc...
Vaccine advisory panel votes to end universal newborn hep B shot in major shakeup
Parents appear to be able to continue to get the hep B vaccine for their kids, but the move could cause confusion among families and logistical barriers for health providers.
19thnews.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:40 PM
A federal advisory panel with power over vaccine policy has voted to stop recommending a universal newborn shot to prevent the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver disease — a major shakeup to the childhood vaccine schedule under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 19thnews.org/2025/12/vacc...
We’re all going to hear a lot about the newborn hepatitis B vaccine shot this week. Here’s some facts about the vaccine, which is safe and effective at preventing liver disease. 19thnews.org/2025/12/hepa...
What you should know about the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The first shot in the multi-dose vaccine has been recommended at birth for decades, but that could soon change.
19thnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:45 PM
We’re all going to hear a lot about the newborn hepatitis B vaccine shot this week. Here’s some facts about the vaccine, which is safe and effective at preventing liver disease. 19thnews.org/2025/12/hepa...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
@19thnews.org is here to help our readers navigate complex times with clarity and context. As our newsroom makes plans for 2026, tell us what information you need most.
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2025 Annual Survey
survey.alchemer.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:38 PM
@19thnews.org is here to help our readers navigate complex times with clarity and context. As our newsroom makes plans for 2026, tell us what information you need most.
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
So many moving parts with SNAP benefits right now so I wanted to slow things down and remind folks that food insecurity is here, and so is the mom guilt. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/11/snap...
The fight over SNAP benefits continues — and so does the mom guilt
The worry over long-term access to food collides with the reality that children and their families face detrimental health effects when they experience food insecurity.
19thnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:27 PM
So many moving parts with SNAP benefits right now so I wanted to slow things down and remind folks that food insecurity is here, and so is the mom guilt. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/11/snap...
I wrote about low wages in statehouses back in 2021 for @19thnews.org. The piece begins with the story of a state lawmaker who decided not to run again because she estimated her health insurance premiums cost more than her pay in the legislature. 19thnews.org/2021/11/stat...
November 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I wrote about low wages in statehouses back in 2021 for @19thnews.org. The piece begins with the story of a state lawmaker who decided not to run again because she estimated her health insurance premiums cost more than her pay in the legislature. 19thnews.org/2021/11/stat...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
Zohran Mamdani will be New York’s youngest mayor in over a century and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. He has twice defeated Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in the face of sexual harassment allegations. https://bit.ly/47pa8LH
Zohran Mamdani, who ran on universal child care, elected New York City mayor
Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 in the face of sexual misconduct allegations.
19thnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Zohran Mamdani will be New York’s youngest mayor in over a century and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. He has twice defeated Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in the face of sexual harassment allegations. https://bit.ly/47pa8LH
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first. 19thnews.org/2025/10/food...
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first.
Food banks will face logistical and financial challenges in providing the resources currently offered by the SNAP and WIC programs that are set to lose funding.
19thnews.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first. 19thnews.org/2025/10/food...
First ladies made history in the East Wing. It was razed for Trump’s ballroom. Latest from @errinhaines.bsky.social and @amandabecker.bsky.social for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/10/east...
First ladies made history in the East Wing. It was razed for Trump’s ballroom.
The East Wing is home to the Office of the First Lady and has played a key role in women’s visibility in the White House.
19thnews.org
October 22, 2025 at 9:34 PM
First ladies made history in the East Wing. It was razed for Trump’s ballroom. Latest from @errinhaines.bsky.social and @amandabecker.bsky.social for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/10/east...
Setting aside that our post has been labeled adult content because of … a bare belly photo?? ... @slooterman.bsky.social and I dug deep into the history of blaming moms for their kids’ autism for @19thnews.org and how some moms see echos of that dark history in MAHA: 19thnews.org/2025/10/refr...
This isn't the first time moms have been blamed for their kids' autism
One of the earliest theories of autism is centered on “refrigerator mothers.” Echoes of it can be found in plans to Make America Healthy Again.
19thnews.org
October 6, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Setting aside that our post has been labeled adult content because of … a bare belly photo?? ... @slooterman.bsky.social and I dug deep into the history of blaming moms for their kids’ autism for @19thnews.org and how some moms see echos of that dark history in MAHA: 19thnews.org/2025/10/refr...
President Trump wants to revamp the childhood vaccine schedule, a move that would place an extra burden on working mothers — who often shoulder the responsibilities of scheduling doctor's visits and follow-up care within a household. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/chil...
Trump’s vision for childhood vaccines could hurt working moms the most
“Intentionally or not, Trump is adding weight to this burden that women are already carrying as family health managers."
19thnews.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
President Trump wants to revamp the childhood vaccine schedule, a move that would place an extra burden on working mothers — who often shoulder the responsibilities of scheduling doctor's visits and follow-up care within a household. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/chil...
Trump to pregnant people: “Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside.” But acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase risk of birth defects and premature delivery. 19thnews.org/2025/09/rfk-...
Linking Tylenol to autism could harm pregnant people’s health, doctors warn
Acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase the risk of birth defects and premature delivery.
19thnews.org
September 23, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Trump to pregnant people: “Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside.” But acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase risk of birth defects and premature delivery. 19thnews.org/2025/09/rfk-...
The federal government’s reported plans to link pregnant people’s use of acetaminophen — the pain-relief drug sold under the brand name Tylenol — as a cause of autism could worsen their health and stigmatize one of the few treatments pregnant people have for reducing pain and fever, doctors warn.
Linking Tylenol to autism could harm pregnant people’s health, doctors warn
Acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase the risk of birth defects and premature delivery.
19thnews.org
September 22, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The federal government’s reported plans to link pregnant people’s use of acetaminophen — the pain-relief drug sold under the brand name Tylenol — as a cause of autism could worsen their health and stigmatize one of the few treatments pregnant people have for reducing pain and fever, doctors warn.
A vaccine panel just tabled a vote that would have delayed universal use of the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. For now, nothing has changed on use of the vaccine, which is safe and credited with saving lives. But how did we get here? My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/hepa...
How the newborn hepatitis B vaccine landed in MAHA’s crosshairs
A panel handpicked by RFK Jr. just tabled a vote to delay use of the hep B vaccine at birth. The debate shows how these early decisions on behalf of a newborn can be used as a litmus test of fitness f...
19thnews.org
September 19, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A vaccine panel just tabled a vote that would have delayed universal use of the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. For now, nothing has changed on use of the vaccine, which is safe and credited with saving lives. But how did we get here? My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/hepa...
The new MAHA report recommends that the United States increase its breastfeeding rates. But the report makes no mention of a federal paid parental leave program that experts in breastfeeding / caregiving say could make a difference. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/gove...
The government wants more people to breastfeed. Experts say paid parental leave could help.
Researchers have been examining ways to increase breastfeeding rates for years. They warn it will take structural reform and funding.
19thnews.org
September 15, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The new MAHA report recommends that the United States increase its breastfeeding rates. But the report makes no mention of a federal paid parental leave program that experts in breastfeeding / caregiving say could make a difference. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/gove...
I saw a lot of headlines about Florida getting rid of all its vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. So @nadrakn.bsky.social and I wanted to add a little context and clarity about what that means and what might happen next. Our latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/flor...
Florida officials say they want to eliminate school vaccine mandates. It won’t be that simple.
Many of the reversals will require action from lawmakers. Public health experts and educators warn that dropped mandates could worsen disease outbreaks and add to a teacher shortage
19thnews.org
September 4, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I saw a lot of headlines about Florida getting rid of all its vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. So @nadrakn.bsky.social and I wanted to add a little context and clarity about what that means and what might happen next. Our latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/flor...
If you’re looking for a better understanding of Let’s Move, Michelle Obama, RFK Jr. and MAHA, may I suggest a piece I wrote for @19thnews.org? 19thnews.org/2025/08/mich...
September 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
If you’re looking for a better understanding of Let’s Move, Michelle Obama, RFK Jr. and MAHA, may I suggest a piece I wrote for @19thnews.org? 19thnews.org/2025/08/mich...
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall? The announcement last week that RFK Jr. and his HHS administration had essentially new guidelines for the shot made me try to answer that question. And well, it’s complicated. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
The new COVID vaccine rules leave parents with more questions than answers
Eligibility for postpartum people has changed, and while children can still access shots, questions about the cost and availability are still unclear.
19thnews.org
September 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall? The announcement last week that RFK Jr. and his HHS administration had essentially new guidelines for the shot made me try to answer that question. And well, it’s complicated. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
Trump’s power grab in the nation’s capital, and his threat to expand his militarized takeover to other Democratic-led cities, is setting up a high-stakes showdown over the country’s democracy that pits him prominently against a familiar political foe: Black women. 19thnews.org/2025/08/blac...
Cities led by Black women are the first targets of Trump's political power grab
“This is in many ways a political warning, a political message, to say to these Black women and other Black mayors and other women of color mayors, ‘Your leadership can be challenged, too.’”
19thnews.org
August 22, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Trump’s power grab in the nation’s capital, and his threat to expand his militarized takeover to other Democratic-led cities, is setting up a high-stakes showdown over the country’s democracy that pits him prominently against a familiar political foe: Black women. 19thnews.org/2025/08/blac...