The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case on the approval of mifepristone for medical abortion - a case which could change the availability of the drug in the US, and which hinges on papers linking abortion to mental distress. However, those papers are contested (including a paper published by BMJ), and some have been retracted already - Julia Littell and Antonia Biggs tell us how that science is being used in court, and why retraction is essential.

Awakening from anaesthetic is difficult enough, but imagine you're three and only communicate through sign language - which no one can understand. We hear from Kirsten, a mother who thinks everyone should learn at least a few key sign language phrases.

Finally, the London Medical Orchestra is turning 70 - having had their start in The BMJ's letters pages. Stuart Delve and Peter Gough help explain the orchestra's longevity.

01:00 The Supreme Court Case on Medical Abortion

10:27 The Role of Journal Editors in Scientific Integrity

19:54 The Impact of Deafness on Patient Experience

30:57 The Joy of Music in a Medical Career: London Medical Orchestra

References

Analysis: Correcting the scientific record on abortion and mental health outcomes

WYPIT: The importance of British Sign Language

Asha's instagram for BSL tips

London Medical Orchestra's 70th anniversary concert - 6:30pm, Sun, 10 Mar 2024

UTD Podcast #8 – Why We Chose the Subscription Model for Our Online Content