Human development

Danielle and Alexander Meitive of Silver Spring, Maryland, think their kids should be allowed to play in their neighborhood without being constantly watched. But the state of Maryland disagrees, and has threatened to take their children away — a threat that may be far more damaging than just the risks of playing alone.

Infant mortality rates have been improving greatly in Ethiopia, but hospitals are still not well-equipped to handle care for babies born prematurely. Enter “kangaroo care,” a technique originally developed in South America to keep premature babies in skin-to-skin contact with an adult during early, crucial weeks or months of development.

Over the course of modern American history, economics have played a role in the number of children parents choose to have. Aside from economics, what are the benefits and drawbacks of limiting family size?

A quiet test has been underway for nearly a year in select New York City high schools, where students are given easy access to birth control pills and Plan B, also known as the morning after pill. Parents are given the opportunity to opt out of their children participating, but so far few have done it. Some 1,000 students have been served so far.

The cover of Time magazine this week provoked a wide range of reactions when it was released yesterday. Mary Elizabeth Williams think the image is just fine, but it’s the message in the words that accompany the picture that she has a beef with.