All 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have adopted vertical identification laws, which require state drivers’ licenses issued to individuals under age 21 to be vertically oriented, with the goals of lowering the cost of age verification and curbing underage drinking and smoking. Research published in Contemporary Economic Policy indicates that these laws have not achieved these goals, however.

About The Study: In this study using data from retrospectively reported pregnancies from 3 longitudinal cohorts, all sexual minority groups had increased abortion use compared with completely heterosexual participants, and abortion use was heterogeneous; given the higher use of abortion among sexual minority populations, they are more likely to be disproportionately impacted by the narrowing of abortion access in the U.S. after the Supreme Court Dobbs decision. Future research is needed to understand the pathways that contribute to the unique abortion care needs of sexual minority individuals, in order to provide adequate support for abortion seekers.

About The Study: In this cohort study of sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults assigned male at birth, exposure to sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE) was associated with adverse cardiovascular health indicators, including elevated diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure, increased systemic inflammation, and higher odds of self-reported hypertension or high blood pressure. These findings underscore the need for public health and policy interventions to enforce and strengthen bans on SOGICE practices. Recognizing the cardiovascular health consequences of SOGICE contributes to addressing SGM health disparities and emphasizes the importance of affirmative care approaches that prioritize the well-being of SGM individuals.