United States===Indian Health Service

The United States===Indian Health Service announced it will phase out the use of dental fillings containing mercury by 2027, aligning with global efforts to reduce mercury exposure and upholding its legal responsibilities to federally recognized tribes. This decision is expected to improve patient health outcomes.

The United States===Indian Health Service is the primary focus of the investigation due to its alleged role in sterilizing thousands of Native American women without informed consent in the 1970s. This event highlights a significant historical ethical breach by the agency.

The United States===Indian Health Service, already chronically underfunded, faces further strain as more uninsured patients will rely on its Purchased/Referred Care program. This program's funding shortfalls mean officials will raise the bar for how sick patients must be to cover outside care, potentially leading to people losing their lives.