A law professor reflects on her own mental illness and #FreeBritney

+ Big Tech's vaccine misinformation problem US Edition - Today's top story: Freeing Britney requires reconsidering how society thinks about decision-making capacity [View in browser]( US Edition | 31 July 2021 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Britney Spears has been under her father’s conservatorship since 2008. That means that her father has been in control of her finances, medical treatment and personal decisions, including whether or not she could go off birth control, since she was 27. Conservatorships are one way to protect someone’s best interests when they are unable to make decisions for themselves because of mental or physical incapacitation. But part of the problem is conservatorships are based on the assumption that even a temporary loss of decision-making capacity is absolute and irreversible. And they can make the conditions that limited someone's autonomy in the first place even worse. Mental health law professor Elyn Saks of the University of Southern California has personally experienced the helplessness and dehumanization that come with being stripped of your decision-making capacity. She [addresses four myths and misunderstandings](, and offers less restrictive alternatives that respect personal autonomy. In the end, freeing Britney isn’t just about her conservatorship – it’s about everyone’s ability to govern their own lives. This week we also liked articles about [sex trafficking](, “[everyday memorials](” honoring loved ones lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and a bipartisan measure that, if it becomes law, would increase [congressional oversight over military actions](. Vivian Lam Assistant Health + Medicine Editor Today's newsletter supported by [MarketWatch]( The stress and shame of conservatorships can sometimes do more harm than good to the people they’re supposed to protect. Rich Fury/Staff via Getty Images Entertainment [Freeing Britney requires reconsidering how society thinks about decision-making capacity]( Elyn Saks, University of Southern California Conservatorships significantly restrict people’s ability to make decisions for themselves. Other options can provide support while maintaining respect for autonomy. A billboard in Mounds View, Minnesota, put up by the nonprofit National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images [Sex trafficking isn’t what you think: 4 myths debunked – and 1 real-world way to prevent sexual exploitation]( Corinne Schwarz, Oklahoma State University Children are not routinely being snatched from pizza parlors and sold into sexual slavery. Sex trafficking more often looks like ‘vulnerable people struggling to survive’ through sex. Part of the joy of emerging from the pandemic has been to once again be able to hug friends and family. Jose Jordan/AFP via Getty Images [Joy and grief will coexist as Americans return to pre-pandemic life – ‘everyday memorials’ will help]( David Sloane, University of Southern California Many people are starting to celebrate the return to a pre-pandemic life. How does that feel to those who have suffered losses and are still grieving? - [Big tech has a vaccine misinformation problem – here’s what a social media expert recommends]( Anjana Susarla, Michigan State University Combating vaccine misinformation on social media requires blocking sources of misinformation – and giving researchers access to data about how misinformation spreads. - [Why Ben & Jerry’s decision to stop selling ice cream in the West Bank rattled Israel]( Ronnie Olesker, St. Lawrence University Ben Jerry’s decision to no longer sell ice cream in the occupied territories comes as Israel continues to lose the support of a group of Americans who once were stalwart allies. - [The largest news agency in the US changes crime reporting practices to ‘do less harm and give people second chances’]( Maggie Jones Patterson, Duquesne University ; Romayne Smith Fullerton, Western University The Associated Press will no longer name those arrested in minor crimes when the news service is unlikely to cover the story’s resolution. That’s a major shift in US news culture. - [Farmers markets are growing their role as essential sources of healthy food for rich and poor]( - [What is a breakthrough infection? 6 questions answered about catching COVID-19 after vaccination]( - [Congress moves to reclaim its war powers]( - [Condo board leaders can help prevent the next Surfside-style disaster by setting aside more money]( - [A 20-foot sea wall won’t save Miami – how living structures can help protect the coast and keep the paradise vibe]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451