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Refinery29
12-06-2025
- Health
- Refinery29
I Was Raised By Religious Parents — & It Complicated My Relationship With Healthcare
There's a free HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine that prevents 90 to 100 per cent of infections and related cervical cancers. Sounds great, right? Not according to my mother. When I was a teenager, the HPV vaccine was offered at my high school for free. It was simple: get a permission slip signed by your parents, and you'd receive a jab alongside your besties. I was raised in a very religious family, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that my Christian mother put her foot down when it came to getting this particular vaccine. You see, HPV is transmitted via oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. While my father was open to me getting the vaccine, she was adamant that I wouldn't be having sex until I was in a monogamous marriage, so the thought was ridiculous to entertain. It's actually best to get the HPV vaccine before you become sexually active, so the logic was all out the window on this one. Besides, what if it wasn't my choice to have sex? Wouldn't having the vaccine regardless of intent be the safest course of action? Sex was a taboo topic in our household, due to a combination of conservative Chinese culture and religion. This was likely a driving factor in why I wasn't given a chance to discuss the repercussions of my mother's decision, something I didn't understand until years later. The idea that religion should be intertwined with healthcare is complicated at best, and dangerous at worst. You only need to look at the abortion bans in the US to see how religious beliefs can put lives at risk. Researchers Amanda Jean Stevenson, Leslie Root and Jane Menken found that an abortion ban across all US states would cause an increase of maternal deaths per year by 24 per cent. Sadly, it didn't take long for this to become a reality once Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. The state of Georgia deemed a dilation and curettage (D&C) a felony in 2024 with minimal exceptions. That same year, Amber Nicole Thurman was in dire need of a D&C after she took abortion pills and her body failed to expel her fetal tissue. She passed away after doctors waited 20 hours before deciding to operate, a death experts have now deemed as 'preventable'. Dr. Archana Koirala, NSW Infectious Diseases Specialist, says the HPV vaccine 'should be given to all adolescents, boys and girls' and is best administered before first sexual intercourse. '[The] HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer — mainly through the prevention of HPV 16 and 18 — [and] modelling studies have shown that if high vaccine coverage and screening is maintained, cervical cancer could be eliminated as a health problem in Australia by 2028,' she explains. Associate Professor Annika Antonsson, a virologist with QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane, adds that 'the vast majority of sexually active Australians will be exposed to HPV during their lifetime'. 'While most clear the infection naturally, four to five per cent will develop persistent infections that can lead to various cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. The HPV vaccine prevents about 90 per cent of these cancers,' she says. My mother was probably coming from the angle that people in monogamous relationships — including marriage — are at a lower risk of getting HPV. Antonsson says this idea of 'abstinence as a reason to not get the HPV vaccine' is both 'risky' and 'leaves people vulnerable to exposure'. 'While HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex and deep kissing, life circumstances can change, and not all future exposures are predictable,' she explains. 'The vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect against future cancer risk, regardless of your current sexual activity or intentions.' Now, here's where it gets messy. I couldn't just go to my doctor and discuss my options because my father was my General Practitioner (GP), and my mother was also a practising GP. I've had a strange relationship with healthcare all my life, because if I were sick or needed medicine, he would provide check-ups at home and write me scripts. I had no safe space to go to discuss healthcare worries, concerns or even discuss birth control options. If I had found myself needing an abortion, I would have needed to locate a Family Planning clinic in secret and ask for advice. I later found out that my best friend, who also has two GPs for parents, was registered with her own GP from a young age so that she could have control over her medical choices and body. Unlike her, my view of healthcare was so intertwined with religion and my family, that I avoided getting a GP even after I'd moved out of home. Without experiencing a trust-based relationship with a consistent doctor outside of my family, I didn't realise I was missing out on control over my healthcare. And since religion contributed to my distorted view of sex and sexual health, I didn't feel comfortable approaching those topics with any medical professionals for years. As a young and naive 20-something, the way I dealt with recurrent UTIs was poor. Instead of signing up for a doctor who would have access to my medical history and be able to work with me, I'd pop into a walk-in clinic on the way to work. These GPs didn't know I had my first UTI at the age of four, that it ran in my family… or anything about me. As I moved around the world, my pattern of visiting random walk-in clinics continued. I've got a massive gap in my medical history, and I wouldn't be able to tell you what medications I took for a decade or how often I took them. When I turned 30, I finally signed up for my own GP. As much as we love to tout the idea that Australia has a free healthcare system, it's not as accessible as it should be, especially when you rely on bulk billing, have no access to transport, housing insecurity or a number of other issues. I acknowledge my privilege when it comes to many of these common obstacles — my biggest roadblock was my reliance on family, and finding the courage to develop trust with a complete stranger when it came to sexual health. But, as silly as it sounds, having a regular GP has changed my life. I'd been struggling with pain levels due to having a chronic illness from the age of 17, and while I was able to control some elements, my GP introduced me to the idea of preventative options. Through my doctor, I was able to access a neurologist, dermatologist and therapist — probably about a decade after I needed them. I've been given access to new medication that has saved me from a lifetime of pain, and I have a trusted health professional who goes out of her way to research the latest developments when it comes to my chronic health condition. It's strange for it to have taken me this long, but I'm so glad I got here in the end.
Vox
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Vox
I'm the daughter of immigrants. The LA I know isn't in the news.
is an Associate Director, Audience at Vox. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she graduated from USC with degrees in broadcast and digital journalism and narrative studies My mom has been a housekeeper for as long as I can remember. As a child, I'd accompany her on the bus to the houses she cleaned, impressed with how it seemed like she knew just about everyone en route to their own jobs. There was always friendly acknowledgment and solidarity — especially with those in restaurant uniforms or carrying their own cleaning supplies. Some of the people she befriended became trusted confidants she'd recruit to help with strenuous cleaning gigs and eventually help land custodial jobs with the city of Los Angeles. Many years later, these individuals would pool together money to ensure I didn't fly across the country to an internship in New York City empty-handed, even though they didn't have much to give. Getting a front-row seat to the community my mom built with others who worked low-wage jobs with long hours — for a shot at not just a better life for their families but for survival — was one of the most special acts of camaraderie I've had the privilege to witness. My mom never complained. Neither did her friends. Their resilience, both mental and physical, taught me to acknowledge people who so often get overlooked. I thought of them as I said hello to the custodians who worked early mornings and late nights at the University of Southern California while I attended school there. I thought of them as I translated the news for social media posts in my previous job at the Los Angeles Times, understanding that language barriers can make receiving quality information much harder. And I thought of them and others who had taken similar journeys to LA as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducts aggressive immigration raids throughout the city. Hundreds of protesters call for an end to immigration sweeps across Los Angeles by ICE on June 5, 2025. Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images In the last few weeks, ICE has intensified its operations throughout the US. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller urged immigration enforcement to make at least 3,000 arrests a day. The Trump administration has frequently targeted 'sanctuary jurisdictions' with large immigrant populations like Los Angeles, arguing they are getting in the way of its campaign promise to deport millions of people. Thousands of demonstrators protested ICE and its raids over the weekend, leading to clashes with the police, and President Donald Trump deploying the National Guard to LA. As of Tuesday, the administration has also sent in around 700 Marines. Images of Los Angeles Police Department officers in riot gear, demonstrators blocking the 101 freeway, infographics with resources for undocumented immigrants, and arrests flooded my social media feeds. A video of a man being detained by ICE outside of his workplace went viral. His daughter, who filmed the post, cries in the background, telling him how much she loves him while reminding him of his rights. As she tries to plead with him, he remains calm. His bravery reminded me of my mom, whose quiet demeanor eclipses the sacrifices she's made to give her five children a better life. In the wake of the protests, Trump posted on Truth Social, 'A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals. Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve...' The LA I know, the city I grew up in and care deeply about, hasn't been 'invaded' and isn't a 'lawless' place that requires federal force. While so much media focuses on protests, further legitimizing Trump's war zone narrative, an important story is being overlooked: immigrants, like many detained outside of their workplaces, and like my mom, have quietly built this city. Related Trump deploying the National Guard is part of a bigger plan More immigrants live in California than in any other state. Undocumented Californians paid $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022, all while being generally unable to access services their taxes help fund, like Medicaid and housing assistance. Over one in three Angelenos are immigrants, and while estimates vary, there could be about 1 million undocumented LA residents. And there is no LA without Latinos. The city was originally a part of Mexico, and Latino influence remains a cornerstone of its identity. Its namesake, neighborhoods, and street names (Los Feliz, San Pedro, La Cienega, La Brea, and more) reflect its Spanish-speaking origins. Olvera Street, the colorful marketplace, and Union Station, a transit hub that combines modern and Latin architectural styles, are only two examples of culturally significant landmarks. Latinos comprise almost half of the Los Angeles Dodgers' fan base and have endearingly called the team 'Los Doyers' for decades. The late baseball star Fernando Valenzuela was a pitching pioneer in Major League Baseball. The city, known as a major culinary destination, boasts all kinds of regional Mexican and Central American cuisines. You can find Oaxacan tlayudas, Sinaloan aguachiles, Salvadoran pupusas, and Guatemalan tamales all within a 30-minute radius. In that same Truth Social post, Trump wrote that Los Angeles would be set free. But how could it be liberated from the same generations of people who continue to help define it? Olvera Street in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025. Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Contrary to what some headlines might suggest, the backlash on LA's streets and displays of support online are unsurprising. There's a long history of social justice activism here: demands for educational equity in the East Los Angeles walkouts in 1968, solidarity with farmworker strikes demanding better labor conditions in the '70s, the 1992 Rodney King uprising against police brutality, and protests in 2020 following George Floyd's murder. What's being demonstrated now is a city united with people who aren't invaders or occupants, but who are LA. There are too many stereotypes about Los Angeles to count. One commonly heard narrative, likely from the influx of transplants coming to take advantage of the entertainment industry, presumes that so many people are driven by their own personal gains, and are too unwilling to venture outside of their affluent neighborhoods to care about others on a macro level. This couldn't be further from the truth. Earlier this year, California experienced the Eaton and Palisades fires. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Angelenos banded together to support their communities. Volunteers assembled food packages and sorted through donations. Several local restaurants offered free food to victims and first responders. Countless grassroots efforts directly supported displaced individuals. This sense of empathy isn't limited to large-scale catastrophes. I live in the South Bay, where people are eager to support their villages. They contribute to GoFundMes to help alleviate hospital bills and funeral expenses. They support small businesses, volunteer their time at fundraisers, participate in meal trains, and share helpful events and resources on their social media profiles. There's a painful disconnect between sensationalized storytelling and the Los Angeles I've known and lived in for my entire life. As I scroll through videos of vandalism outside city hall, officers teargassing protesters, and children terrified about where their parents are headed to, I can't help but feel both immense grief and anger. It's easy for cameras to capture chaos and unrest, rather than the circumstances that led people to leave their country of origin. It's easy for trolls online to suggest that people should have come here legally, without acknowledging the intricate process and undocumented immigrants' predisposition to exploitation. Stories about immigrants are not always afforded nuance. Their humanity is stripped as they are categorized into political talking points or condensed into data figures. The actions they've taken to change the trajectory of their families' lives are what many others would do in their position, but are judged differently because of the framing. The lives they actually live — the callouses they've developed on their hands after years of labor many couldn't imagine undertaking, the people they make laugh, the motivations that drive them, their homesickness for places that don't exist anymore — are often ignored. It hurts because I am familiar with the people behind the headlines. They raised me. As news coverage and political figures paint my hometown as a disorderly battleground overrun with 'illegals,' I wish they could understand the LA I know and am proud to live in. It's where people acknowledge those who quietly live up to the American ethos of pulling themselves up by their bootstraps despite not living in a meritocracy, with little recognition and not even so much as a 'hello' in passing. It's where camaraderie runs deep, whether people are contributing to mutual aid funds or ensuring their friend's daughter gets to pursue her dreams in a state they might never visit. Los Angeles's foundation is made up of people like my mom, who understand hardship, but continue to choose generosity instead.
Mint
09-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Red flag! Small-cap stocks rally adds ₹9 lakh crore in 2 months despite earnings miss. Time to turn cautious?
Small-cap stocks: There's a popular adage in the stock market —Prices are a slave to earnings. But this doesn't seem to hold true in the case of the small-cap stocks that have been in an upward trend for four straight months despite a sharp miss in the March quarter earnings. The overall PAT for the small-cap stocks was down 16% year-on-year, significantly worse than the already muted expectations. Despite that, in the financial year 2025-26 alone (FY26), the BSE Smallcap index has gained nearly 15%, adding over ₹ 9 lakh crore to investor wealth, according to Bloomberg data, raising concerns that the current bullish trend is likely built on shaky ground. Potential for high returns in a short period has powered the small-cap rally. However, this has deprived investors of valuation comfort, with the one-year forward P/E for BSE Smallcap trading at 33x, which is well above its long-term average of 19-20x. The small-cap segment also remains a popular category among mutual fund investors, garnering the second-highest net inflow of ₹ 17,535 crore up to April, as per data from Morningstar. This sustained investor interest underscores the strong appeal of the segment, likely driven by the robust returns small-cap funds have delivered over the past few years, Himanshu Srivastava, Associate Director – Manager Research at Morningstar India, said. The earnings miss was notable, especially amid positive surprises across large and mid-cap names. Domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOSL) said that not only was the segment a laggard, but it also recorded a notable PAT decline, influenced materially by weakness in the financials sector, underlining the challenges for smaller BFSI players during the quarter. According to Prashanth Tapse, Senior Vice President of Research at Mehta Equities, small-cap companies have historically exhibited greater earnings volatility, making them more vulnerable to macroeconomic shifts. As a result, even flat or slightly weak earnings can lead to disproportionate price corrections, amplifying volatility, he cautioned. However, he expects a rebound in corporate profitability among fundamentally strong small-cap businesses, driven by a favorable macroeconomic environment like declining interest rates (following RBI rate cut), which are expected to reduce borrowing costs, benefiting small-cap firms with higher sensitivity to credit conditions, and cooling inflation that is likely to ease raw material and operational costs, supporting margin expansion in upcoming quarters. Since the small-caps remain a barbell segment, capable of both strong rebounds and deep corrections, analysts believe stock selection is critical. "From a valuation standpoint, any correction in small-cap stocks would make price reasonable, improving the risk-reward profile for long-term investors. While a cautious and informed approach, emphasising on quality and diversification, can help navigate the complexities of this segment," Tapsee added. He advised investors not to just focus on short-term earnings, but try and spot businesses with low debt, consistent cash flows, and sectoral tailwinds, while avoiding companies where promoters have high pledging history, rising debt levels, or working capital issues, with concerns on corporate governance. Vaqarjaved Khan, Sr. Fundamental Analyst, Angel One, also said that one must not completely exit small-caps as a strategy but should remain selective going forward. Earnings miss by a big margin, such as 10-25%, coupled with highly stretched valuations, make picking small-cap stocks relatively tricky, according to Khan. Against this backdrop, he advised staying away from cyclical sectors such as textiles, paper and overleveraged small NBFCs trading at premium valuations. He further added that it's better to stay away from frothy names and churn positions from small-caps to mid and large-caps. While small-cap stocks, by nature, are more volatile and sensitive to economic cycles, they can see sharper earnings downgrades during uncertain phases. However, this same segment has historically shown the ability to deliver outsized returns over long investment horizons, especially as some of these companies evolve into future market leaders. "Despite the volatility, small-caps continue to be seen as high-risk, high-reward engines of long-term growth; they demand patience, discipline, and a strong stomach for risk. From a portfolio construction standpoint, small-caps can act as a return kicker, enhancing long-term portfolio growth when included in moderation. That said, the allocation to small-cap funds should be calibrated based on an investor's risk appetite, time horizon, and overall financial goals," said Srivastava of Morningstar.
Mint
09-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Red flag! Small-cap stocks rally adds ₹9 lakh crore in 2 months despite earnings miss. Time to turn cautious?
Small-cap stocks: There's a popular adage in the stock market —Prices are a slave to earnings. But this doesn't seem to hold true in the case of the small-cap stocks that have been in an upward trend for four straight months despite a sharp miss in the March quarter earnings. The overall PAT for the small-cap stocks was down 16% year-on-year, significantly worse than the already muted expectations. Despite that, in the financial year 2025-26 alone (FY26), the BSE Smallcap index has gained nearly 15%, adding over ₹ 9 lakh crore to investor wealth, according to Bloomberg data, raising concerns that the current bullish trend is likely built on shaky ground. Potential for high returns in a short period has powered the small-cap rally. However, this has deprived investors of valuation comfort, with the one-year forward P/E for BSE Smallcap trading at 33x, which is well above its long-term average of 19-20x. The small-cap segment also remains a popular category among mutual fund investors, garnering the second-highest net inflow of ₹ 17,535 crore up to April, as per data from Morningstar. This sustained investor interest underscores the strong appeal of the segment, likely driven by the robust returns small-cap funds have delivered over the past few years, Himanshu Srivastava, Associate Director – Manager Research at Morningstar India, said. The earnings miss was notable, especially amid positive surprises across large and mid-cap names. Domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOSL) said that not only was the segment a laggard, but it also recorded a notable PAT decline, influenced materially by weakness in the financials sector, underlining the challenges for smaller BFSI players during the quarter. According to Prashanth Tapse, Senior Vice President of Research at Mehta Equities, small-cap companies have historically exhibited greater earnings volatility, making them more vulnerable to macroeconomic shifts. As a result, even flat or slightly weak earnings can lead to disproportionate price corrections, amplifying volatility, he cautioned. However, he expects a rebound in corporate profitability among fundamentally strong small-cap businesses, driven by a favorable macroeconomic environment like declining interest rates (following RBI rate cut), which are expected to reduce borrowing costs, benefiting small-cap firms with higher sensitivity to credit conditions, and cooling inflation that is likely to ease raw material and operational costs, supporting margin expansion in upcoming quarters. Since the small-caps remain a barbell segment, capable of both strong rebounds and deep corrections, analysts believe stock selection is critical. "From a valuation standpoint, any correction in small-cap stocks would make price reasonable, improving the risk-reward profile for long-term investors. While a cautious and informed approach, emphasising on quality and diversification, can help navigate the complexities of this segment," Tapsee added. He advised investors not to just focus on short-term earnings, but try and spot businesses with low debt, consistent cash flows, and sectoral tailwinds, while avoiding companies where promoters have high pledging history, rising debt levels, or working capital issues, with concerns on corporate governance. Vaqarjaved Khan, Sr. Fundamental Analyst, Angel One, also said that one must not completely exit small-caps as a strategy but should remain selective going forward. Earnings miss by a big margin, such as 10-25%, coupled with highly stretched valuations, make picking small-cap stocks relatively tricky, according to Khan. Against this backdrop, he advised staying away from cyclical sectors such as textiles, paper and overleveraged small NBFCs trading at premium valuations. He further added that it's better to stay away from frothy names and churn positions from small-caps to mid and large-caps. While small-cap stocks, by nature, are more volatile and sensitive to economic cycles, they can see sharper earnings downgrades during uncertain phases. However, this same segment has historically shown the ability to deliver outsized returns over long investment horizons, especially as some of these companies evolve into future market leaders. "Despite the volatility, small-caps continue to be seen as high-risk, high-reward engines of long-term growth; they demand patience, discipline, and a strong stomach for risk. From a portfolio construction standpoint, small-caps can act as a return kicker, enhancing long-term portfolio growth when included in moderation. That said, the allocation to small-cap funds should be calibrated based on an investor's risk appetite, time horizon, and overall financial goals," said Srivastava of Morningstar. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Associate teachers protest lack of benefits despite regularisation
Members of the Associate Teachers Front, Punjab held a symbolic protest on Sunday in the city, highlighting their unfulfilled demands, which they say have been ignored for far too long. The protest led by state president Manpreet Singh Moga and Ajmer Singh Aulakh, had teachers' participation from various districts across the state. They claimed that while the Punjab government issued appointment letters in July 2023 and made them rejoin schools, the move turned out to be a mere formality. 'Though the term 'regular' was mentioned in the letters, the government did not include any of the rightful benefits such as proper pay scales, travel allowance, medical facilities, or other entitlements available to regular employees,' they added. Protesting teachers accused the government of wasting crores on publicity through advertisements that falsely claimed temporary workers were made permanent. However, the reality, they said, was just a meagre hike in salary, without any actual relief or recognition. Protesters allege that repeated requests for meetings with the government have been met with indefinite postponements, leaving them disheartened. 'It feels like the government has made it a norm to promise meetings and cancel them just days before. This has happened not once but many times,' said one of the leaders. Gurmeet Padda, another leader of the union, highlighted the grim reality of retired associate teachers, who are forced to take up daily wage jobs to survive, as they retire without pensions or benefits. The protesting leaders demanded the implementation of due pay scales and the issuance of corporate social responsibility benefits so that their years of service and struggle could lead to a secure future. The protesters warned that if the government continues to neglect their rightful demands, the movement will intensify in the coming days. A large number of leaders and members from across Punjab including Sukhjinder Singh Dakha, Manish Pathankot, Inderjit Mansa, Kuldeep Singh Kapoorthala, Jujhar Singh, Gurpreet Singh Bhotna, Jagdeep Singh, Jagmohan Singh, and others were present during the demonstration. Associate pre-primary teachers demand post-retirement, other benefits Teachers under the banner of the Associate Pre-Primary Teachers' Union, Punjab, staged a sit-in protest, led by state convener Davinder Singh. They alleged that teachers who were regularised under the 'Policy for Welfare of Adhoc, Contractual, Temporary Teachers' by the Punjab government are still being denied service-related rules and benefits. Their demands include equal pay for all teachers with the same qualifications and workload, counting over 10 years of past service as experience, 15 casual leaves per year, a monthly medical allowance of ₹1,000, reimbursement for treatment, and inclusion under the pension scheme with post-retirement benefits like gratuity and ex-gratia grants. They also demand seniority be decided as per 1994 rules, promotions based on merit, and immediate implementation of recommendations made by the government's sub-committee on service rules and financial benefits. Singh said that appointment letters should be issued to teachers who are still awaiting their regularisation. Former contract teachers rally for reappointment Former teachers of the Punjab education department—including Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS), Alternative and Innovative Education (AIE), and Inclusive Education Volunteer (IEV) educators—staged a protest under the banner of the 'Mud Bahaal Kache Adhyapak Union Punjab', demanding immediate reinstatement into service. Union president Vikas Sahni, vice-president Lakhwinder Kaur, and secretary Amandeep Kaur led the protest. They said that even after years of repeated letters and official verifications, the reappointment process remains stuck in limbo. 'The verification is done, the documents are in place, yet there is no decision. It is all stuck-on paper,' they said. The protesting educators reminded the government of promises made before the elections by chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who had assured unconditional reinstatement. They pointed to the meeting held on November 27, 2024, in which then education secretary KK Yadav had verbally assured that all such teachers would be reinstated under the previous policy. 'We are not meant to sit on roads or shout slogans,' one teacher said. 'But when your voice is constantly ignored, you're left with no choice but to protest.' They urged the government to stop dragging the matter through endless inquiries and implement the reinstatement policy that was promised. Sahni added that cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond visited them and assured of arranging a meeting with CM Mann on June 14.
