The first study of embryonic stem-cell therapy in human beings has been delayed by the Food and Drug Administration, Bloomberg News reported on August 18.

As many as 60,000 AARP members have left the group in protest over its stance on healthcare reform, CBS News reported on August 17.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is prepared to spend $150 million to support President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform efforts, AP reported on August 8. Such a massive amount of money could strongly boost Democratic proposals.

As FOX News put it on August 10: “Elected officials aren't the only ones facing frustrated, angry crowds at health care town hall meetings.” Now AARP, the senior advocacy group, has come under fire from its own members for appearing to support President Barack Obama's healthcare reform proposals.

At most public gatherings focused on President Barack Obama's healthcare reform proposals, Americans have expressed their strong feelings in a peaceful and civil manner. However, on August 6, town hall meetings in Tampa, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri, got out of hand and led to several arrests. Fox News reported on August 7 that police intervened to restore order, and St. Louis officers made six arrests, including some for assault.

With Congress on recess, America is momentarily in the eye of President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform storm. Now is the perfect time to get a second opinion to the president’s diagnosis, and who better to give one than a real doctor: Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas).

Associated Press reported on August 5 that “health care legislation before Congress would allow a new government-sponsored insurance plan to cover abortions, a decision that would affect millions of women and recast federal policy on the divisive issue.” Forces on both sides of the debate are gearing up for a renewed battle once Congress returns from its recess.

Karen Ignagni, president of America’s Health Insurance Plans, told reporters during an August 4 conference call that critics of private health insurance providers are engaged in a campaign to “demonize health plans.” Ignagni called this is “a major step back” for healthcare reform efforts, the Washington Post reported that same day.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 31-28 on August 31 to approve its version of healthcare reform. “This historic step moves us closer to health insurance reform than we have ever been before,” President Obama claimed.

“Health care reform could end up bailing out employers who hire illegal immigrants and skimp on their health benefits,” Fox News reported on July 30.