Young people are increasingly turning to sodium nitrite and nitrate as a method of suicide after buying the products online, according to research presented during the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 26-30. The chemicals, which when ingested may cause hypoxia and eventual death, are often readily available for purchase online, according to the author. He said his findings indicate the need for a robust system with collaboration between public health officials, emergency responders and healthcare workers to address this growing concern.

More pregnant people are turning away from hospital births and instead choosing their homes, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 26-30. Cincinnati Children’s researchers tracked out-of-hospital births and found that the numbers doubled in the region from April 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023, compared to births from January 1, 2018 - February 29, 2020. The trend was seen most in young, highly educated mothers who were also more likely to have higher body mass index and fewer prenatal visits, according to a study abstract, “The Changing Landscape of Planned Out-of-Hospital Births.”