Health Highlights: March 10, 2016

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Indiana Bill Would Ban Abortions for Genetic Birth Defects

A bill to ban abortions due to genetic birth defects such as Down syndrome was passed Wednesday by Indiana lawmakers and has been sent to Gov. Mike Pence for approval.

Under the measure, doctors who perform such abortions could be sued for wrongful death, the Associated Press reported.

If signed into law, Indiana would join North Dakota as the only two states with bans on abortions sought because of genetic fetal abnormalities. However, similar bills have been debated in Ohio and other states.

Many of Indiana’s female legislators, including Republicans, say the bill goes too far, and other critics say it would force women to go through complicated pregnancies that put their health at risk, the AP reported.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Pence said he will “give this legislation thoughtful consideration once it reaches his desk.”

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Pistachios Likely Cause of Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

The cause of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 11 people in nine states is believed to be pistachios from California, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Illnesses began between Dec. 12, 2015 and Feb. 9, 2016. Information available for nine patients shows two were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Findings by federal, state and local investigators indicate that pistachios from Wonderful Pistachios of Lost Hills, Calif. are the source of the outbreak, the CDC said.

On March 9, the company recalled some flavors and sizes of in-shell and shelled pistachios due to possible salmonella contamination. The recalled products were sold under the brand names Wonderful, Paramount Farms, and Trader Joes. They were sold across the United States and in Canada.

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