Your Weekly Wrap Up | 24 Feb - 2 Mar 💦
From a new non-hormonal IUD approval to Hungary’s push to ban Budapest Pride — here’s what you need to know this week.
Self-care note: This newsletter talks about anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and cancer, among other things. If you find this distressing or triggering, remember to take it at your own pace. You may prefer to read small sections, wait until you feel ready to read it all, or choose not to read it at all.
Self-care takes many forms — whether it’s rewatching comfort shows, telling yourself that buying another candle is "an investment", or ignoring your emails for just five more minutes. Whatever works, be kind to yourself — because this week’s news is a bit of a mixed bag.
We’ve got rising breast cancer rates, LGBTQ+ book bans, and Hungary trying to push Pride indoors — but also a new non-hormonal IUD, better awareness around menopause, and people fighting back against discrimination. So, small wins where we can get them.
Take your time, grab a snack, and let’s get into it.
And if you’ve spotted a story we should cover, submit it here.
Health Secretary to cut thousands of jobs at NHS England 🏥
After NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard announced her resignation, Health Secretary Wes Streeting plans to take more control over the organisation and lead it into a ‘new era.’
The plan includes cutting thousands of jobs to reduce the ‘duplication’ of roles between NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.
Experts and insiders warn that this move could further weaken NHS England and stress that the organisation needs to maintain independence in its day-to-day operations.
Source: The Guardian
FDA approved first new hormone-free IUD in 40 years ⚕️
For the first time in decades, the FDA has approved a new non-hormonal IUD. Miudella, a low-dose copper intrauterine device, offers up to three years of pregnancy prevention and is expected to be available later this year.
This approval expands contraceptive options for those who want long-term birth control without hormones, especially at a time when reproductive rights are under increasing pressure. Currently, Paragard is the only other hormone-free IUD available in the U.S., lasting up to 10 years. Miudella’s smaller, more flexible frame and lower copper dose may make it a more comfortable option for those who experience discomfort with traditional IUDs.
Source: The Cut
Young women experiencing menopause symptoms decades early 🌡️
New research from UVA Health and the Flo app revealed that over half of women aged 30 to 35 report moderate to severe symptoms linked to menopause — but many wait decades before seeking treatment.
The study highlighted perimenopause, the transition phase before menopause, which is often misunderstood and overlooked. Many women assume symptoms won’t appear until their 50s, leading to years of suffering without medical support. Researchers found that psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and irritability appear long before classic physical symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating.
Experts are calling for better awareness and support for perimenopausal women to ensure they receive timely care instead of waiting until their mid-50s or beyond.
Source: Medical Xpress
Mpox still a public health emergency, says WHO 🦠
The World Health Organization said the mpox outbreak remains a public health emergency, as the number of cases continues to rise.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi are the most affected, but cases have also been reported in other countries, including Thailand and Britain.
According to the NHS, mpox is a viral infection that can be passed through close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs, touching fabrics used or worn by someone who has mpox, and the coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox.
Source: Reuters
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Hungary wants to ban Budapest Pride in public form 👬
During the weekly press conference, Orbán's current chief of staff Gergely Gulyás said that this year's Budapest Pride should not be held in public for “child protection.”
“It’s common sense,” he said when asked why he thinks Pride is harmful to children.
Pride organisers said that the march is a family-friendly event and that freedom of assembly is a constitutional right.
Source: Politico
Breast cancer deaths expected to rise 68% worldwide by 2050, WHO warns 🎗️
According to a new report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization, by 2050 breast cancer deaths are expected to climb by 68 per cent, while new cases will increase by 38 per cent.
The report also found that breast cancer incidence rates were highest in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Northern Europe, while death rates were highest in Melanesia, Polynesia and West Africa.
Researchers urge governments to adopt primary prevention policies and invest in early detection and treatment, which could “save millions of lives in the coming decades.”
Source: Euronews
More than half of books banned last year featured LGBTQIA+ people or people of colour 🌈
A new report by PEN America, a nonprofit organisation that aims to raise awareness about freedom of expression in literature, found that more than 4200 books were banned in school last year, 54 per cent of which featured LGBTQIA+ people and people of colour.
The organisation also found that one in ten featured characters with a physical and/or learning or developmental disability and that last year’s banning attempts reached the highest level ever documented by the group.
Source: NBC News
Chinese company withdraws notice setting deadline for single workers to get married 💍
After receiving public backlash, the Shuntian Chemical Group withdrew a policy that threatened single employees with dismissal if they did not marry in seven months.
The notice, which was sent to unmarried workers aged between 28 and 58, also called single employees “disloyal and disobedient to parental advice.”
Chinese media reported that officials from the local human resources and social security bureau visited the company and explained that the policy violated Chinese labour law. The company withdrew the notice the next day.
Source: Sky News
That’s all for this week’s wrap-up, but there’s plenty happening beyond the headlines. From workshops to book clubs, here’s what’s coming up across Scotland.
Ever needed to speak up but didn’t know how?
Join us in Glasgow for an empowering and interactive workshop designed to help women enhance their advocacy skills! Hosted by Pillow Talk Scotland in collaboration with She Advocates Society, this session is all about equipping you with the tools to stand up for yourself and others — no matter the topic at hand.
Other spicy (and cuddly) events happening soon🌶️
Feminist Book Club. 11 March, Glasgow.
Socialist Feminist Book Club. The Right to Sex. 11 March, Edinburgh.
Queer Theory: Gender Splendour. 14 March, Glasgow.
The Psychology of Attachment Styles with Cate Mackenzie. 18 March, Edinburgh.
Sex Positive Reading Group (18+). 25 March, Glasgow.
Trans Pride March. 29 March, Kirkcaldy.
Are you hosting or have you spotted an event about sex, relationships, feminism, and other related topics that we have missed (especially outside of the Central Belt)? Send it over at events@pillowtalk.scot!
The purpose of Pillow Talk Scotland is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional. You must always consult your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. Pillow Talk Scotland is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages resulting from the use of information contained within this site. If you have a complaint or wish to report any inaccuracies, you can email us at contact@pillowtalk.scot.
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