Shutdowns that have shut down some of China's biggest cities and fueled public irritation are spreading as infections rise, hurting a weak economy and prompting warnings of possible global shockwaves.

The abortion pill mifepristone was approved in 2000 but still faces layers of restrictions. Advocates want the FDA to permanently allow patients to receive the pill by mail instead of in person.

Health officials around the world have announced renewed restrictions this week as they see clusters of outbreaks from the delta variant of the coronavirus.