Barbara Rodriguez
@bcrodriguez.bsky.social
Reporter at @19thnews.org covering the intersection of health and gender.
📬 Send story ideas/tips: bcrodriguez [at] 19thnews [dot] org
📲 Signal: bcrodriguez.55
📬 Send story ideas/tips: bcrodriguez [at] 19thnews [dot] org
📲 Signal: bcrodriguez.55
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An announcement amid all the news: I'm now covering all things health at @19thnews.org as the newsroom’s health reporter. This is an extension of reporting from last year, and I’ll be working with several colleagues. If access to care is changing for you, please reach out: bcrodriguez.55 on Signal.
What happens when a measles outbreak hits your state? For @drannieandrews.com, a pediatrician running for the U.S. Senate, it becomes a key issue on the campaign trail. My latest looks at a doctor who’s highlighting health care issues ahead of the midterms. 19thnews.org/2026/02/anni...
Measles is spreading in South Carolina. Could it make people vote for a pediatrician?
Dr. Annie Andrews is running for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat. She's one of several doctors seeking office during an election midterm year where health care issues are front and center.
19thnews.org
February 12, 2026 at 3:16 PM
What happens when a measles outbreak hits your state? For @drannieandrews.com, a pediatrician running for the U.S. Senate, it becomes a key issue on the campaign trail. My latest looks at a doctor who’s highlighting health care issues ahead of the midterms. 19thnews.org/2026/02/anni...
As a growing number of states weaken childhood immunization requirements, physicians fear many families will miss critical wellness checks. This great informative piece from @sarahelizcarr.bsky.social was originally published by @hechingerreport.org: 19thnews.org/2026/02/scho...
Without school vaccine mandates, many kids may never see a doctor
As a growing number of states weaken childhood immunization requirements, physicians fear many families will miss critical wellness checks.
19thnews.org
February 12, 2026 at 3:07 PM
As a growing number of states weaken childhood immunization requirements, physicians fear many families will miss critical wellness checks. This great informative piece from @sarahelizcarr.bsky.social was originally published by @hechingerreport.org: 19thnews.org/2026/02/scho...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
At 36, Star just took her first step toward gender-affirming care. She looked for Planned Parenthood clinics near her Ohio town.
But when she looked online, her heart sank. Medicaid patients like her can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood anymore, unless their state covers it.
But when she looked online, her heart sank. Medicaid patients like her can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood anymore, unless their state covers it.
After years of waiting, she wanted to start gender-affirming care. Politics interfered.
Medicaid patients can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood, unless their state covers it. This is a major setback for trans health care.
19thnews.org
February 10, 2026 at 3:57 PM
At 36, Star just took her first step toward gender-affirming care. She looked for Planned Parenthood clinics near her Ohio town.
But when she looked online, her heart sank. Medicaid patients like her can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood anymore, unless their state covers it.
But when she looked online, her heart sank. Medicaid patients like her can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood anymore, unless their state covers it.
In Minnesota, protest has taken many shapes. And caregiving — from offering mutual aid for rent and groceries to getting neighbors first aid supplies and prenatal vitamins — is a central form of resistance here. It has lessons for the rest of the country. My latest: 19thnews.org/2026/02/minn...
‘We have to keep showing up for each other’: In Minnesota, caregiving is a form of resistance
School pickups, diaper runs and mutual aid funds are central to how many Minnesotans are challenging the militarization of their state.
19thnews.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:29 PM
In Minnesota, protest has taken many shapes. And caregiving — from offering mutual aid for rent and groceries to getting neighbors first aid supplies and prenatal vitamins — is a central form of resistance here. It has lessons for the rest of the country. My latest: 19thnews.org/2026/02/minn...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
In Minneapolis, for every story detailing the fallout of the federal crackdown, there are as many stories of people like Bri, a mom donating breastmilk for babies whose mothers are detained by ICE.
Bri's story:
19thnews.org/2026/02/minn...
Bri's story:
19thnews.org/2026/02/minn...
When one mother was taken by ICE, another stepped in to donate breastmilk
Moms in Minneapolis are donating diapers, food and time to help families who have been ripped apart by ICE.
19thnews.org
February 2, 2026 at 7:52 PM
In Minneapolis, for every story detailing the fallout of the federal crackdown, there are as many stories of people like Bri, a mom donating breastmilk for babies whose mothers are detained by ICE.
Bri's story:
19thnews.org/2026/02/minn...
Bri's story:
19thnews.org/2026/02/minn...
The impact of Alex Pretti’s death has reverberated across America, but perhaps more deeply among the nation’s nurses and health care professionals — who see themselves reflected in the actions he took before his death. My colleague @chabeli.bsky.social and I explore: 19thnews.org/2026/01/nurs...
Nurses saw themselves in Alex Pretti's death. Now they’re demanding justice.
Nurses have advocated for better working conditions for years. Pretti’s death elevated the ongoing challenges for a profession that is increasingly in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement.
19thnews.org
January 29, 2026 at 6:44 PM
The impact of Alex Pretti’s death has reverberated across America, but perhaps more deeply among the nation’s nurses and health care professionals — who see themselves reflected in the actions he took before his death. My colleague @chabeli.bsky.social and I explore: 19thnews.org/2026/01/nurs...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
"Late last week, word came from GOP Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine that it was time to “activate the churches,” as one leader put it — in other words, to prepare to provide emergency care and short-term housing to children separated from their parents." 19thnews.org/2026/01/ice-...
Fear, faith and preparation as ICE closes in on an Ohio community
In Springfield, faith-based coalitions are creating emergency hubs to care for children — and churches are preparing for their sanctuaries to be breached.
19thnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:14 PM
"Late last week, word came from GOP Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine that it was time to “activate the churches,” as one leader put it — in other words, to prepare to provide emergency care and short-term housing to children separated from their parents." 19thnews.org/2026/01/ice-...
“I really love America more than I love anywhere in the world, and now I am feeling scared and sad and humiliated,” said Fay, a day care owner in Minnesota who has been in the country for more than 20 years and is an American citizen. @chabeli.bsky.social reports: 19thnews.org/2026/01/minn...
At day cares in Minnesota, strangers are showing up at their doors as parents scramble to protect staff
Parents are stepping in to be volunteer teachers or shuttle providers to work to protect an immigrant workforce.
19thnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:45 PM
“I really love America more than I love anywhere in the world, and now I am feeling scared and sad and humiliated,” said Fay, a day care owner in Minnesota who has been in the country for more than 20 years and is an American citizen. @chabeli.bsky.social reports: 19thnews.org/2026/01/minn...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
Health insurance costs are up. Women and LGBTQ+ people are paying the price — as some dip into savings, take on second jobs or go without coverage at all.
written with my colleagues @shefali.bsky.social @bcrodriguez.bsky.social
written with my colleagues @shefali.bsky.social @bcrodriguez.bsky.social
Health insurance costs are up. Women and LGBTQ+ people are paying the price.
After the expiration of ACA subsidies, soaring health care costs have forced some to dip into savings, take on second jobs or go without coverage.
19thnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Health insurance costs are up. Women and LGBTQ+ people are paying the price — as some dip into savings, take on second jobs or go without coverage at all.
written with my colleagues @shefali.bsky.social @bcrodriguez.bsky.social
written with my colleagues @shefali.bsky.social @bcrodriguez.bsky.social
"There is something destabilizing about having known someone only as a child and then hearing they were gunned down in the street. The person you see in your mind lying in that street is still a child.” www.theverge.com/policy/86856...
I grew up with Alex Pretti
The kind-hearted ICU nurse shot by federal agents was my childhood best friend.
www.theverge.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:05 PM
"There is something destabilizing about having known someone only as a child and then hearing they were gunned down in the street. The person you see in your mind lying in that street is still a child.” www.theverge.com/policy/86856...
An announcement amid all the news: I'm now covering all things health at @19thnews.org as the newsroom’s health reporter. This is an extension of reporting from last year, and I’ll be working with several colleagues. If access to care is changing for you, please reach out: bcrodriguez.55 on Signal.
January 26, 2026 at 10:59 PM
An announcement amid all the news: I'm now covering all things health at @19thnews.org as the newsroom’s health reporter. This is an extension of reporting from last year, and I’ll be working with several colleagues. If access to care is changing for you, please reach out: bcrodriguez.55 on Signal.
Many states have a key deadline today for people to enroll in an ACA plan. But Congress let expire the enhanced subsidies that helped make some of those plans more affordable. For small business owners and self-employed people, it’s created chaos: 19thnews.org/2026/01/affo...
What women business owners are poised to lose with health insurance cuts
The Affordable Care Act offered a practical pathway for more women to become self-employed. As a critical enrollment deadline expires with no subsidies, that could collapse.
19thnews.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Many states have a key deadline today for people to enroll in an ACA plan. But Congress let expire the enhanced subsidies that helped make some of those plans more affordable. For small business owners and self-employed people, it’s created chaos: 19thnews.org/2026/01/affo...
Gender-based violence researchers told @19thnews.org that the widespread visibility of physical violence against women in public spaces does not happen in a vacuum and goes hand-in-hand with the policies and messaging coming from the administration. 19thnews.org/2026/01/ice-...
ICE violence against women is increasingly visible — and largely untracked
The killing of Renee Nicole Good — and the viral video that followed — underscores the forceful tactics long used against marginalized women.
19thnews.org
January 15, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Gender-based violence researchers told @19thnews.org that the widespread visibility of physical violence against women in public spaces does not happen in a vacuum and goes hand-in-hand with the policies and messaging coming from the administration. 19thnews.org/2026/01/ice-...
If you’re still processing the news about a new childhood vaccine schedule and what it might mean for you and your family — like whether you can still access vaccines that aren’t broadly recommended anymore by the federal government — here’s what we know: 19thnews.org/2026/01/cdc-...
What does the new childhood vaccine schedule actually mean for your family?
Officials say not much will change. Experts aren't so sure.
19thnews.org
January 6, 2026 at 11:12 PM
If you’re still processing the news about a new childhood vaccine schedule and what it might mean for you and your family — like whether you can still access vaccines that aren’t broadly recommended anymore by the federal government — here’s what we know: 19thnews.org/2026/01/cdc-...
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.
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
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...