Meet the Team

Kristen Hwang

CalMatters

MORE STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR

Health

California birth centers are shutting down. A lawmaker has a new plan to help them

Kristen Hwang

Half of the birth centers in the state have closed since 2020, leaving only four licensed facilities open.
Politics

This California ballot measure promises money for health care. Its critics warn it could backfire

Kristen Hwang

Proposition 35 would dedicate tax revenue to pay doctors more if they see low-income patients with Medi-Cal insurance. Its critics worry the plan could run afoul of the federal government.
Health

California hospitals keep closing their labor wards. Can lawmakers do anything about it?

Kristen Hwang

Two California lawmakers introduced bills intended to slow maternity ward closures after a CalMatters investigation found nearly 50 hospitals had ended labor and delivery services between 2012 and 2023.
Politics

Prop. 1 — Gavin Newsom’s mental health plan — has narrow lead in early returns

Kristen Hwang

Recent polls show many Californians were undecided heading into Election Day on Gov. Newsom’s Proposition 1, which would fund new mental health treatment facilities.
Politics

Why ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ will be California’s next abortion battleground

Kristen Hwang

California legislators have passed a slew of laws to protect abortion rights. But after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many fear attempting to regulate “crisis pregnancy centers” is legally risky.
Health

California has tried to cut the cost of insulin for years. Why it might finally succeed

Kristen Hwang

To fight the skyrocketing cost of insulin, California is using multiple tactics, including making its own generic versions.