Jill Wieber Lens
@jillwieberlens.bsky.social
Lawprof at Univ Iowa. Research stillbirth and pregnancy loss from legal perspective, to honor my Caleb. My work: http://ssrn.com/author=1292641
Stillbirth & the Law coming from UCPress spring 2025: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/stillbirth-and-the-law/pape
Stillbirth & the Law coming from UCPress spring 2025: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/stillbirth-and-the-law/pape
Pinned
So happy to share that my book Stillbirth & the Law is out today from @ucpress.bsky.social!
www.ucpress.edu/books/stillb...
www.ucpress.edu/books/stillb...
I take the bus quite frequently. Honestly probably wouldn’t have thought to do so if it wasn’t free.
"The transit system is one of the greatest tools communities have to combat climate change and reduce emissions. “You can make a pretty immediate impact.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/c...
Iowa City Made Its Buses Free. Traffic Cleared, and So Did the Air.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:50 PM
I take the bus quite frequently. Honestly probably wouldn’t have thought to do so if it wasn’t free.
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
It's not safe to be pregnant in Texas. Especially since everyone knew this would be the result of an abortion ban.
But also, let's not forget - one of the 90+ doctors could have averted this. They are not off the hook just because Texas's law caused this.
But also, let's not forget - one of the 90+ doctors could have averted this. They are not off the hook just because Texas's law caused this.
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
Walker is one of several women ProPublica found with underlying health conditions who died when they couldn’t access abortions.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:15 PM
It's not safe to be pregnant in Texas. Especially since everyone knew this would be the result of an abortion ban.
But also, let's not forget - one of the 90+ doctors could have averted this. They are not off the hook just because Texas's law caused this.
But also, let's not forget - one of the 90+ doctors could have averted this. They are not off the hook just because Texas's law caused this.
So excited for this panel today!
It will also be live on zoom. Details below!
It will also be live on zoom. Details below!
TOMORROW! 12pm ET - Join us for an important conversation on preventing stillbirth with @jillwieberlens.bsky.social, Jessica Cohen, Katy Gold, and Thomas Williams
@auwclhealthlaw.bsky.social
@auwclhealthlaw.bsky.social
Join AUWCL’s Health Law & Policy Program for Preventing Stillbirth: Legal, Policy, and Public Health Perspectives on Thurs, Nov 13 from 12–1:30 PM ET (Hybrid).
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
November 13, 2025 at 2:28 PM
So excited for this panel today!
It will also be live on zoom. Details below!
It will also be live on zoom. Details below!
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Looking forward to Thursday’s HLPP event on preventing stillbirth—bringing together law, policy, and public health perspectives. Join us in person or online! Thursday November 13th 12-1:30pm ET
#ASLME #AHLA @auwcl.bsky.social
#ASLME #AHLA @auwcl.bsky.social
Join AUWCL’s Health Law & Policy Program for Preventing Stillbirth: Legal, Policy, and Public Health Perspectives on Thurs, Nov 13 from 12–1:30 PM ET (Hybrid).
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
November 11, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Looking forward to Thursday’s HLPP event on preventing stillbirth—bringing together law, policy, and public health perspectives. Join us in person or online! Thursday November 13th 12-1:30pm ET
#ASLME #AHLA @auwcl.bsky.social
#ASLME #AHLA @auwcl.bsky.social
One of my flights cancelled Wednesday. Wait time to talk to someone at United is over an hour. #funafternoon
November 9, 2025 at 7:24 PM
One of my flights cancelled Wednesday. Wait time to talk to someone at United is over an hour. #funafternoon
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Okay, a thread. (thanks to @mjsdc.bsky.social for posting on this case). The Court is lying through its teeth (precedent) - subtly changing its quote extractions to rewrite animus law and produce essential a new pro-animus "equal protection" doctrine. Here's how...1/
The requirement that challengers must show that a gov’t action “lacks any purpose other than a bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group” basically would mean all animus discrimination is constitutional. There is always some other “purpose.” This standard would overrule Romer and Cleburne.
NEW: On the shadow docket, the Supreme Court lets Trump resume misgendering trans Americans on their passports, claiming "the government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment." All three liberals dissent. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
November 7, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Okay, a thread. (thanks to @mjsdc.bsky.social for posting on this case). The Court is lying through its teeth (precedent) - subtly changing its quote extractions to rewrite animus law and produce essential a new pro-animus "equal protection" doctrine. Here's how...1/
Super excited to fly next week!
The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic at many busy airports to maintain safety during the government shutdown, which has led to staffing shortages of air traffic controllers. n.pr/4oN8zwM
FAA will reduce air traffic by 10% at many airports to maintain safety
The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic at many busy airports to maintain safety during the government shutdown, which has led to staffing shortages of air traffic controllers.
n.pr
November 6, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Super excited to fly next week!
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Feels like a good time to hype up @jillwieberlens.bsky.social’s book, Stillbirth and the Law (along with her other phenomenal scholarship on stillbirth)
Stillbirths in the United States
This study characterizes stillbirth rates in 2016-2022 across clinical risk factors and geographic-based measures of access, income, and race in a large US commercially insured population.
jamanetwork.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Feels like a good time to hype up @jillwieberlens.bsky.social’s book, Stillbirth and the Law (along with her other phenomenal scholarship on stillbirth)
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
CALLOUT: I'm working on a piece about pregnant people or those with newborns/infants who rely on SNAP/WIC, and I'd like to add personal stories to it. If you or someone you know is experiencing this right now or has relied on this program in the past with children, can you send me a DM? Thanks!
October 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
CALLOUT: I'm working on a piece about pregnant people or those with newborns/infants who rely on SNAP/WIC, and I'd like to add personal stories to it. If you or someone you know is experiencing this right now or has relied on this program in the past with children, can you send me a DM? Thanks!
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Gift link: New study using data between 2016 and 2022 shows stillbirth occurs 1 in every 147 births, a higher rate than the roughly one in every 175 births reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. wapo.st/3WlRKx3 #stillbirth
A sweeping study found thousands of stillbirths occur without clear warning signs
A study led by researchers at Harvard and Mass General Brigham shows stark socioeconomic divides and thousands of unexplained losses, even in seemingly healthy pregnancies.
wapo.st
October 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Gift link: New study using data between 2016 and 2022 shows stillbirth occurs 1 in every 147 births, a higher rate than the roughly one in every 175 births reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. wapo.st/3WlRKx3 #stillbirth
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Last flu season, only 38% of pregnant women received the flu vaccine. Share with your patients that ACOG recommends that people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy get their flu shot to protect themself and their newborn. Learn more: https://bit.ly/47bJh4s #FluFactFriday #VaccinesWork
October 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Last flu season, only 38% of pregnant women received the flu vaccine. Share with your patients that ACOG recommends that people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy get their flu shot to protect themself and their newborn. Learn more: https://bit.ly/47bJh4s #FluFactFriday #VaccinesWork
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Join AUWCL’s Health Law & Policy Program for Preventing Stillbirth: Legal, Policy, and Public Health Perspectives on Thurs, Nov 13 from 12–1:30 PM ET (Hybrid).
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
October 21, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Join AUWCL’s Health Law & Policy Program for Preventing Stillbirth: Legal, Policy, and Public Health Perspectives on Thurs, Nov 13 from 12–1:30 PM ET (Hybrid).
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
Experts explore stillbirth prevention, legal frameworks, and reproductive justice.
Register (Free): tinyurl.com/4xvm6s6b
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
the Muppets have been real quiet since the Louvre heist
October 19, 2025 at 10:19 PM
the Muppets have been real quiet since the Louvre heist
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
Excited to share my latest, an article I've had in my head for years, Fetal Life Hypocrisies. A brief thread -- papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Fetal Life Hypocrisies
<p><span>Fifty years ago in </span><span>Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court proclaimed and validated the state interest in protecting fetal life. That validation ha
papers.ssrn.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Excited to share my latest, an article I've had in my head for years, Fetal Life Hypocrisies. A brief thread -- papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Excited to share my latest, an article I've had in my head for years, Fetal Life Hypocrisies. A brief thread -- papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Fetal Life Hypocrisies
<p><span>Fifty years ago in </span><span>Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court proclaimed and validated the state interest in protecting fetal life. That validation ha
papers.ssrn.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Excited to share my latest, an article I've had in my head for years, Fetal Life Hypocrisies. A brief thread -- papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
We invented graduated drivers licenses for teens. They worked. But we leave 80-year-olds to “see how it goes.” Every family suffers on their own. But this is a shared social problem, not a personal one. We need conditional licenses for older drivers. Daylight. Local. Annual medical check-ins.
October 5, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We invented graduated drivers licenses for teens. They worked. But we leave 80-year-olds to “see how it goes.” Every family suffers on their own. But this is a shared social problem, not a personal one. We need conditional licenses for older drivers. Daylight. Local. Annual medical check-ins.
It’s hot but still a beautiful day for homecoming (and my 20 year law school reunion, whew).
September 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
It’s hot but still a beautiful day for homecoming (and my 20 year law school reunion, whew).
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
This is EXTRAORDINARY impact, driven by the Pulitzer Prize-finalist journalism of @deldeib.bsky.social. At a time when so much is being dismantled, it is incredible to see something like this launching to improve health outcomes for moms and babies: www.propublica.org/article/nih-...
NIH Launches New Multimillion-Dollar Initiative to Reduce U.S. Stillbirth Rate
Clinical teams across the country are forming a five-year, $37 million consortium to research stillbirth, a long-neglected public health concern. “There’s no question that the ProPublica reporting was...
www.propublica.org
September 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
This is EXTRAORDINARY impact, driven by the Pulitzer Prize-finalist journalism of @deldeib.bsky.social. At a time when so much is being dismantled, it is incredible to see something like this launching to improve health outcomes for moms and babies: www.propublica.org/article/nih-...
The focus on "naturalness" of pregnancy and motherhood also only fortifies the failure women feel when they can't get pregnant or don't produce a living baby.
Trump & RFK's attack on Tylenol is part of an emerging campaign within the right to valorize “natural” pregnancy & motherhood—to the point it corrodes women’s health & safety.
Under this campaign, pregnancy & motherhood are seen as women’s natural states.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Under this campaign, pregnancy & motherhood are seen as women’s natural states.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump rails against Tylenol but autism claims not supported by science
President’s announcement latest move in campaign that seeks to valorize the ‘natural’ – often at women’s expense
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The focus on "naturalness" of pregnancy and motherhood also only fortifies the failure women feel when they can't get pregnant or don't produce a living baby.
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
So…Aaron Glenn’s sideline celebration is 🔥🔥🔥 with Earth, Wind & Fire attached to it.
September 22, 2025 at 3:59 PM
So…Aaron Glenn’s sideline celebration is 🔥🔥🔥 with Earth, Wind & Fire attached to it.
But this also assumes access to the vaccines. It’s incredibly difficult to find a pharmacy or a pediatrician office that stocks pediatric Covid doses for kids 5-11 (and I assume even worse for 6 months-4) outside of major cities. Willing pediatricians alone can’t solve this.
September 19, 2025 at 1:14 AM
But this also assumes access to the vaccines. It’s incredibly difficult to find a pharmacy or a pediatrician office that stocks pediatric Covid doses for kids 5-11 (and I assume even worse for 6 months-4) outside of major cities. Willing pediatricians alone can’t solve this.
I hope Illinois knows how much I appreciate it. (From someone living in an adjacent state.)
September 18, 2025 at 6:49 PM
I hope Illinois knows how much I appreciate it. (From someone living in an adjacent state.)
Anyone out there know of what Illinois pharmacies are doing with kiddo (5-11) covid vaccines? Requiring Dr prescriptions?
September 17, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Anyone out there know of what Illinois pharmacies are doing with kiddo (5-11) covid vaccines? Requiring Dr prescriptions?
Yet we're not gathering any data on covid infections and stillbirths.
Makary and Prasad are reportedly seeking to waive privacy protections around Covid data and pregnant people. www.wsj.com/health/healt...
Exclusive | Health Officials Hunt for Cases Connecting Covid Shot and Harm in Pregnant Women
Top health officials under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are compiling examples of harmful effects of Covid shots on pregnant women to share with the public, furthering the administration’s scrutiny of vaccin...
www.wsj.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Yet we're not gathering any data on covid infections and stillbirths.
Reposted by Jill Wieber Lens
@jillwieberlens.bsky.social and I wrote a much longer piece that gets into the nuts and bolts of this nonsense. The admin hasn't shown much interest in assigning constitutional rights to embryos/fetuses, but that could change tomorrow. Therefore this essay. repository.law.umich.edu/mlr/vol122/i...
"Original Public Meaning and Pregnancy’s Ambiguities" by Evan D. Bernick and Jill Wieber Lens
Relying on 1868 abortion statutes, the 2022 Supreme Court held in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that no federal constitutional right to abortion exists. Mere months later, a petition fo...
repository.law.umich.edu
September 9, 2025 at 7:15 PM
@jillwieberlens.bsky.social and I wrote a much longer piece that gets into the nuts and bolts of this nonsense. The admin hasn't shown much interest in assigning constitutional rights to embryos/fetuses, but that could change tomorrow. Therefore this essay. repository.law.umich.edu/mlr/vol122/i...