Quote:
Originally Posted by HotDamnImAPhiMu
Are we behind the curve in reproductive medicine?
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No, not really. It is a difference of perspective, I think. The review process for drugs is quite different in Britain because of the NHS. (Greatest good for the greatest number with the lowest cost). The doctor explained it as they found fewer side effects and better coverage with single cycle pills. Fewer complications= fewer hospital admissions= lesser costs. Also, on the whole, the British smoke more than Americans so that is yet another layer of concern (not that monocyclic pills are exempt from that). Plus, birth control in all forms is exempt from the standard prescription fee (in Scotland, that is 5.25 british pounds, about 6 dollars or less with current exchange, in Northern Ireland, all scripts are free).
There's also less of a stigma attached to birth control and family planning in Britain (in the ROI, this is changing). Again, because of the NHS, there is a vested (monetary and social) interest in keeping the population under control. Not in a creepy way, but in a "hey we've got limited resources!" way.