iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Lilia Cervantes @cervantes-lily1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Today the American Society for Clinical Investigation published an open letter to NIH leadership on proposed changes to K awards, co-signed by 30 professional societies and foundations. Thank you to the ASCI working group and every society and foundation that signed beta.the-asci.org/news/advocac...

beta.the-asci.org

Open letter to the NIH regarding proposed changes to K awards - The American Society for Clinical Investigation

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

So excited to be part of this absolutely STACKED lineup for the Boswords Fall Themeless League (with Rebecca, my Stormy Division pairs solving partner 4ever!)

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I had a great conversation with Dr. Judith Flores for the “Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S.” podcast about immigration and reproductive justice 💛✨ Check it out here! open.spotify.com/episode/6BDN...

open.spotify.com

Immigration and Reproductive Justice

Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S. · Episode

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Dana Howard @thedanahoward.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Finally submitted my OMB comment! You can do so here: www.regulations.gov/document/OMB... I used this comment app to help structure my comment and it was a breeze: ombcomment.netlify.app Also copy and paste the comment and send to your representatives: actionnetwork.org/letters/oppo...

actionnetwork.org

Oppose OMB Proposal to Put ALL Federal Government Funding Decisions in the Hands of Political Appointees

On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), OMB-2026-0034, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance. The scope of this proposed regulation is...

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Elizabeth Lanphier @ethicselizabeth.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

As of almost 24 hours ago, over 98,000 public comments have been submitted in response to the OMB Proposed Rule that would upend the allocation of over a trillion dollars of annual federal funding. I just added mine. Since they are public, might as well post them here!

Dear Mr. Vought:

I am writing as a scholar working within the humanities and academic medicine, and as a concerned citizen, community member, and parent, to provide comment on Proposed Rule: Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (OMB-2026-0034; FR Doc. 2026-10817).

The proposed rule would usher in sweeping changes to the allocation of over a trillion dollars in federal grants. This would impact not only our academic research enterprises, but also essential shared goods that are important to the well-being of all Americans, like our public schools, public roads, and public assistance programs for basic needs like food and housing.

I am the parent of a child in a Title I public school. I am concerned about the impact of the proposed rule changes on my child’s school, and that of many other children across the country whose families rely on schools to provide trusted education, safety, and meals to our children daily. Proposed rules in Section § 200.300 that would prohibit activities the administration deems related to “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” undermines the very idea of Title I funding. As defined by existing policy, Title I is designed specifically so that all children have an “opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.” Equity is central to the role and function of Title I, as a matter of fairness and equal opportunity. If Title I funds are compromised, this would be a major loss to public schools in Ohio, where I reside, and where most children attend public school. Yet in Ohio the state budget will cover less than a third of public-school costs, already pushing a huge burden onto property owners to finance public education. Eroding Title I would only put further pressure on Ohio’s working middle-class property owners to fund public education, a public good that is owed to and expected of all children in the United States.

Considerations of fairness and equality are core to my expertise and work as a philosopher working within an academic medical setting to support accessible, fair, and just healthcare delivery. I see every day the existing barriers to these goals. I am concerned that these proposed rules will deepen the gap in providing high quality healthcare to all Americans. Health and illness are non-partisan issues, experienced by all individuals, regardless of political affiliation, ideological views, or voting record.

I am particularly concerned that provisions in Section § 200.300 and Section § 200.340 that prohibit funding “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” would disproportionately harm Americans served by rural hospitals that often treat those most excluded from healthcare access. These rural hospitals rely on federally funded programs like Medicaid that are specifically designed to address inequities in resources, including healthcare resources. Such facilities that function specifically to enhance equity, inclusion, and accessibility of healthcare would be vulnerable to the application of Section § 200.300. Under Section § 200.340, they could face discretionary termination of federal funding that keeps healthcare flowing to rural populations, effectively cutting off parts of the population from even emergency healthcare services, let alone the kinds of preventative and ongoing care necessary to keep healthcare costs low, and populations healthy.

As a researcher and scholar, I am also concerned about Sections § 200.300 and § 200.340 as they relate to research and scholarship. The proposed revision indicates that Section § 200.300 is “intended to prevent discrimination on the basis of federally protected characteristics,” something already upheld by existing research ethics and regulations, which must adhere to anti-discrimination policies. Introducing the thinly defined concept of “Unlawful DEI” in Section § 200.300 creates unnecessary confusion about ac…

I am also deeply concerned about Section § 200.205, which contradicts core principles of academic freedom by permitting political appointees, not expert peer-review, to guide funding decisions; Section § 200.218, which disallows federal funding of certain research methodologies, allowing ideology rather than expertise to inform research topics and frameworks; and Section § 200.461, which directly contradicts existing federal requirements that federally funded research be open-access by limiting the ability of federal awards to support open-access publishing fees.

As a philosopher working within academic medicine, I work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating on research that is not — and should not be — categorized narrowly as either basic research, applied research, or experimental development. Therefore, I am concerned that Section § 200.202(g), requiring such categorization of research awards, shows a fundamental misunderstanding of research and particularly how excellent and innovative research is produced. Mandating such misleading categorization would be a step in the wrong direction for advancing American achievement across all disciplines.

My professional work within healthcare delivery and healthcare research affirms my belief that there could be improvements to how each of these is funded at the federal, state, and local levels. However, my experience also shows that these proposed changes would lead to certain harm, not helpful improvement. As a researcher I am concerned for the future of innovation, understanding, and intellectual and scientific progress. But as a parent, a community member, and a citizen, I am concerned for the ways in which these proposed changes will harm every aspect of our lives — from the healthcare we can receive, to the roads we drive on, to the education my own children and each of our children receive. Given these clear harms, I ask that the entire proposed rule OMB-2026-0034 be withdrawn.

I look forward to your respo…

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

So long, sabbatical, it’s been grand 👋

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

5.5 - 3.5 is wayyyyy too close on what was an obvious, open-and-shut constitutional question.

ROBERTS, C. J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which
SOTOMAYOR, KAGAN, BARRETT, and JACKSON, JJ., joined. JACKSON, J.,
filed a concurring opinion, in which SOTOMAYOR, J., joined as to the introduction and Part I. KAVANAUGH, J., filed an opinion concurring in the
judgment and dissenting in part. THOMAS, J., filed a dissenting opinion,
in which GORSUCH, J., joined. ALITO, J., and GORSUCH, J., filed dissenting
opinions.

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Remember when scotus sweeps week was fun?

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

My new First Opinion piece in @statnews.com discusses the forthcoming birthright citizenship decision in Trump v. Barbara (and gives a little preview of one chapter of my still-being-written book about immigration and reproductive justice!) www.statnews.com/2026/06/23/b...

statnews.com

Ending birthright citizenship could be a public health disaster

If the Supreme Court upholds the executive order ending birthright citizenship, it could “have stark consequences at the intersection of bioethics and public health.”

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

These Puzzles Fund Abortion @tpfa.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

THAT’S A WRAP! We raised over $38K this year! Thank you to everyone for your generous contributions! 💜 This means we raised over $7.6K for each of the 5 funds we support! @iwrising.bsky.social @chiabortionfund.bsky.social @abortionfundmd.bsky.social Tampa Bay Abortion Fund OurJustice 💜

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

I'm so proud of our These Puzzles Fund Abortion team and the puzzles we put out and the community that rallies around the abortion funds we support! Please consider donating to support this important cause — the fundraiser ends on Sunday! fund.nnaf.org/tpfa6

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These Puzzles Fund Abortion @tpfa.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

✨Editor Spotlight✨ @burrata.bsky.social (he/him) is an editor of @avcx.bsky.social. He is based in Queens, NY, and is honored to be part of TPFA once again. Ben edited “Round These Parts” (grid shown here) by @fabioethics.bsky.social and @rebecculous.bsky.social! fund.nnaf.org/tpfa6

A 15x15 crossword grid with rotational symmetry. Several squares have circles in them.

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Midis for Minnesota @midisforminnesota.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

If you haven't yet gotten access to Midis for Minnesota, now is a great time to do so! Now through Sunday, donations will be matched AND in addition to the digital files, you also have the option of being mailed a limited-edition booklet! For more info, visit our website: www.midisforminnesota.com

Graphic with this text:

THIS WEEKEND ONLY:
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
(and get a limited edition booklet!)

Rent is due, and many families need immediate financial support to stay in their homes.

Now through Sunday (5/3), donations made to get access to Midis for Minnesota will be matched by a generous donor (up to $1000 total).

In addition to their donation being matched, donors will also have the option to be mailed a Midis for Minnesota booklet! (While supplies last)

To donate or to get more details, visit our website: midisforminnesota.com

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

🐈Rex Parker🐈‍⬛ ✏️ 🧐 @rexparker.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Had the thrilling experience of solving Friday’s puzzle on my phone in my hotel room (not the thrilling part) and not knowing who the constructor was and halfway through thinking “damn this is good, who made this?” and then afterwards finding out it was my ❤️friend❤️ @fabioethics.bsky.social !!!

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Back in the #nytxw with a Friday puzzle that is very ~online~

The Crossword, Friday, April 17, 2026
by Rachel Fabi, edited by Will Shortz

A portion of a blank crossword grid with the central entry highlighted and the clue 36A. Worst of all imaginable chronologies

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

If you're at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament this weekend and you're craving more crosswords, consider checking out These Puzzles Fund Abortion after the finals! #acpt fund.nnaf.org/tpfa6

fund.nnaf.org

These Puzzles Fund Abortion 2026

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Midis for Minnesota @midisforminnesota.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

We are excited to announce Midis for Minnesota, an upcoming crossword pack by Minnesota constructors. Proceeds will support immigrant families in Minnesota who have been impacted by ICE activity. Pack will be released in late April. A preview puzzle by Zhouqin Burnikel is available now.

midisforminnesota.com

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

I've had the privilege of working alongside Seçil for the past month at the Brocher Foundation in Switzerland as she's been putting the finishing touches on this book. I have learned so much from her about syphilis in the Ottoman Empire, and the history of Ottoman medicine in general!

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Sean Marotta @smmarotta.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

April Fools' pranks are getting and less and less believable. Like I'm seeing websites claiming that the government of the United States is going to argue in court today that the Fourteenth Amendment denies birthright citizenship to kids born here just because their parents didn't enter lawfully.

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

For those who have asked, I'm spending my sabbatical working on a book project on reproductive justice, immigration, and bioethics in the U.S. My book explores (among other things) advocacy against this long-standing and intentional pattern of inhumane treatment, abuse, and neglect. 1/5

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These Puzzles Fund Abortion @tpfa.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

✨Fund Spotlight✨ @iwrising.bsky.social is one of the five wonderful organizations we are fundraising for this year. Fund.nnaf.org/tpfa6 ⬅️ donate here to awesome people doing awesome work (and you get fun crosswords as a bonus!)

Text reads these puzzles fund abortion fund Spotlight RAIN FUND The Rain Fund is a mutual aid resource for native people who are seeking funding & reproductive care by safeguarding identity and streamlining accessibility to reliable culturally competent healthcare providers. Our fund is rooted in cultural values, and the extension of solidarity to all people of color facing systemic injustices. We encourage all our partners and supporters to join us in uplifting and amplifying Indigenous stewardship of bodies and lands.

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Margaret R. Eby @margaretrutheby.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

absolutely terrifying but not unexpected given the recent DHS proposed rule to expand collection and storage of biometric data.

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

We put the final touches on this year's These Puzzles Fund Abortion puzzle pack this morning, and I have to say — it's really good, friends. ✨ Donate before March 15 to support five abortion funds, and you'll be one of the first to receive the pack! fund.nnaf.org/tpfa6 @tpfa.bsky.social

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These Puzzles Fund Abortion @tpfa.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Show off your love of crosswords AND your love of abortion access! We have tees, tanks, and sweatshirts in our Bonfire store! www.bonfire.com/store/these-... A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go towards our fundraising. #tpfa6 #ootd #styleinspo

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Benjamin Tausig @burrata.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

The new These Puzzles Fund Abortion puzzle pack is on pre-sale now. I edited a lovely puzzle for it, and the constructor lineup is stellar as always. Solve some top-tier crosswords and help super reproductive rights won’t ya fund.nnaf.org/campaign/the...

fund.nnaf.org

These Puzzles Fund Abortion 2026

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These Puzzles Fund Abortion @tpfa.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

We are happy to announce that our fundraising page is live! When you make a donation during our presale period, you will be among the first to receive TPFA6 when it is released on March 15th. fund.nnaf.org/tpfa6 #tpfa6

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

sabbatical is going pretty well imo (don’t worry I am also sometimes writing)

A hand holds a pink aperol spritz in the foreground in front of legs crossed under a grey blanket resting on a wooden railing, with the Italian alps in the background

A hand holds a glass cup of espresso in the foreground in front of a wooden railing, with the Italian alps in the background

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Reposted by Rachel Fabi Ph.D.

Steve Mossberg @mossdef.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

100 is a lot of puzzles, David. 🐙

Snippet of a variety cryptic crossword puzzle. I've made 100 of them now, which is a lot of puzzles.

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Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

ethics professor here, can confirm

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STAT @statnews.com · 03/02/2026

Doctors nationally are describing harrowing consequences for patients who put off medical care because of fears of ICE. www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/i...

statnews.com

Fearing ICE crackdown, immigrants nationally are avoiding treatment, sometimes with dire consequences

Doctors nationally are describing harrowing consequences for patients who put off medical care because of fears of ICE.

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

I went for a plunge in the Atlantic in 33 degree weather and then went clamming for 90 minutes and then made clam chowder — my sabbatical transition to winter cape codder is complete ❄️

Rachel Fabi in overall waders holding a clamming rake, thigh-deep in an estuary in the snow

Rachel Fabi in a red knit cap and overall waders, holding a clamming rake and tossing a clam toward the camera while knee deep in water

A wire bucket full of beige and black clams, viewed from above

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

I just finished Blue Prince (insofar as you can "finish" Blue Prince) and I think I need to go lie down 🌀

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Rebecca Goldstein @rebecculous.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Where to start with this one... @fabioethics.bsky.social www.latimes.com/games/daily-...

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

New publication in the Journal of General Internal Medicine on the maternal/child health implications of the attempt to reinterpret the constitution to eliminate birthright citizenship: link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007... @journalgim.bsky.social @cervantes-lily1.bsky.social @trishasantos.bsky.social

Stateless at Birth — Birthright Citizenship and the Safeguarding of Immigrant Maternal and Child Health
Rachel E. Fabi, PhD
Patricia Mae G. Santos, MD, MS
Benjamin D. Sommers, MD, PhD
ABSTRACT This perspective discusses the public health implications of the recent executive order (EO), and subsequent court challenges, regarding the termination of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. The EO threatens to undermine the justification that undergirds many state and federal policies regarding access to maternal healthcare for immigrants: the expectation that babies born in the USA will become US citizens. In so doing, the EO creates conditions under which many children born in the USA may be rendered stateless and thus ineligible for public benefits.

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Excited to be writing these new mini puzzles for @statnews.com (my favorite site for health and science policy news!)

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

what a wild football game!!! 🖤💛

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

@rebecculous.bsky.social and I wrote today’s @defector.com crossword! It’s seasonally appropriate 🎄✨

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Thank you for your message. I am currently on sabbatical (December 20, 2025 - June 30, 2026), and I will not be regularly checking my email during this time. Please enjoy this special sabbatical edition of my out of office crossword puzzle. See you in July! justgridding.blogspot.com/2025/12/sabb...

justgridding.blogspot.com

Out of Office: Sabbatical 2026

Hello! Thank you for your message. I am currently on sabbatical (December 20, 2025 - June 30, 2026), and I will not be regularly checking my...

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Rachel Fabi Ph.D. @fabioethics.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

HHS is asserting, without opportunity for public comment, that it will be sharing CMS data with DHS for immigration enforcement, despite years of promises not to do that. public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-20911.pdf

public-inspection.federalregister.gov

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