Boots morning after pill outrage
Discussion
voyds9 said:
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said: People have a choice where to invest.
People don't always have a choice but to use the MAP because it's not always as simple as the "stop spreading their legs instead of whining so much" suggestion put forward by the OP.
Also Boots are arguably in a bit of a borderline monopolistic position in many areas where they may be the pharmacy in your GP as well as being the only one(s) in the area.
Four choices for not having childrenPeople don't always have a choice but to use the MAP because it's not always as simple as the "stop spreading their legs instead of whining so much" suggestion put forward by the OP.
Also Boots are arguably in a bit of a borderline monopolistic position in many areas where they may be the pharmacy in your GP as well as being the only one(s) in the area.
1. Don't have sex
2. Use protection
3. Morning after pill.
4. Get an abortion
If a town is big enough to have a Boots it is big enough to hold a second pharmacy.
Can you name the person who requires the MAP, who lives in a village with no NHS free prescription service, who only has a Boots available and who doesn't have bus fare to the NHS centre or pharmacy.
Or if you want an easier one a village big enough to have a Boots but no NHS provision.
For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Also Boots are arguably in a bit of a borderline monopolistic position in many areas where they may be the pharmacy in your GP as well as being the only one(s) in the area.
Especially since Boots have been hoovering up local pharmacies. Most of my local ones are now rebranded as Boots when they used to be Lloyds Pharmacy etc. rscott said:
Re your bold comment - you're assuming protection never fails. It does, which is why responsible people may also need option 3.
For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
I'd like to play "name that town" that you apparently know so well. I'd really like to google what services and pharmacies are available in these hamlets you talk of.For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
The MAP can be taken up to 3 days later for the most common type and 5 days for the alternative, so weekend access isn't imperative.
I don't care enough about the Boots thing one way or the other, but I'm always fascinated by the sometimes tortuous confluences that have to come together in order to demonstrate a need for something when on average, it's not an issue.
I think there are several debates developing here.
1) Did Boots make a monumental PR cock-up foot-in-mouth statement in their reasons for being so expensive for the MAP?
Yes
2) Are people justified in being "outraged" by the above?
Yes
3) Are Boots rip-off merchants who are gradually taking over the high street pharmacies?
Yes
4) What are the moral and ethical ramifications for the existence of the MAP, and should it be able to be bought easily and cheaply over the counter?
Effectively off topic, but is where the thread is going to go.
1) Did Boots make a monumental PR cock-up foot-in-mouth statement in their reasons for being so expensive for the MAP?
Yes
2) Are people justified in being "outraged" by the above?
Yes
3) Are Boots rip-off merchants who are gradually taking over the high street pharmacies?
Yes
4) What are the moral and ethical ramifications for the existence of the MAP, and should it be able to be bought easily and cheaply over the counter?
Effectively off topic, but is where the thread is going to go.
NWTony said:
rscott said:
Re your bold comment - you're assuming protection never fails. It does, which is why responsible people may also need option 3.
For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
I'd like to play "name that town" that you apparently know so well. I'd really like to google what services and pharmacies are available in these hamlets you talk of.For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
The MAP can be taken up to 3 days later for the most common type and 5 days for the alternative, so weekend access isn't imperative.
I don't care enough about the Boots thing one way or the other, but I'm always fascinated by the sometimes tortuous confluences that have to come together in order to demonstrate a need for something when on average, it's not an issue.
Town 2 - Manningtree.
Town 3 with the walk in centre - Colchester.
PotatoSalad said:
Am I the only one thinking that £20 is hardly a fortune and if somebody can't afford that, perhaps they should just stop spreading their legs instead of whining so much? Is this really worth involving so many journalists and "experts" in such trivial matter? Just go buy it somewhere else or ask your GP for prescription, problem solved.
Unless you're one of those orange-tanned girls who get pregnant twice a week, it won't exactly ruin your budget.
Looking at the comments on Boots FB page, seems that women think they're a charity obliged to help poor girls, not a business.
With all the STD's around these days, anyone having unprotected sex with literally strangers, one night stands etc are plain stupid.Unless you're one of those orange-tanned girls who get pregnant twice a week, it won't exactly ruin your budget.
Looking at the comments on Boots FB page, seems that women think they're a charity obliged to help poor girls, not a business.
cookie118 said:
Wow this thread is something else
So women who need to resort to the morning after pill are stupid?
What about the men they have sex with?
OK, a little bit harsh maybe.So women who need to resort to the morning after pill are stupid?
What about the men they have sex with?
Of course it takes 2...But where getting pregnant is concerned, the woman has significant control (no means no).
In the event that either or loses that control or a failure of protection occurs, even £30 would seem like money well spent considering the alternatives.
rscott said:
NWTony said:
rscott said:
Re your bold comment - you're assuming protection never fails. It does, which is why responsible people may also need option 3.
For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
I'd like to play "name that town" that you apparently know so well. I'd really like to google what services and pharmacies are available in these hamlets you talk of.For the 2 nearest towns to me, the only option for the MAP (or any other pharmacy services) at weekends is Boots.
Town 1 has 5 pharmacies, but only Boots opens at weekends. There's no NHS walk-in service in the town at all. The GP surgeries don't operate on Saturdays.
Town 2 has a Boots and a dispensary attached to the GP surgery. That surgery & dispensary don't open weekends at all. No other NHS services at all.
The nearest NHS walk-in centre available at weekends is 15-20 miles away (2 bus journeys, taking nearly 2 hours by bus on Sundays..).
So for non-drivers, Boots is the only practical option at weekends for those towns.
The MAP can be taken up to 3 days later for the most common type and 5 days for the alternative, so weekend access isn't imperative.
I don't care enough about the Boots thing one way or the other, but I'm always fascinated by the sometimes tortuous confluences that have to come together in order to demonstrate a need for something when on average, it's not an issue.
Town 2 - Manningtree.
Town 3 with the walk in centre - Colchester.
In town one Oakley pharmacy is open on a Saturday as well as Boots.
In town two I can't find a Pharmacy open at weekends I have to admit, but the population is 900 FFS. I'm surprised it can support a pharmacy at all, never mind one that opens at weekends.
In either case they can wait until Monday to get a MAP from wherever is convenient for them.
NWTony said:
I thank you for taking the time to post.
In town one Oakley pharmacy is open on a Saturday as well as Boots.
In town two I can't find a Pharmacy open at weekends I have to admit, but the population is 900 FFS. I'm surprised it can support a pharmacy at all, never mind one that opens at weekends.
In either case they can wait until Monday to get a MAP from wherever is convenient for them.
Oakley Road pharmacy is closed at weekends according to to the NHS . http://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Pharmacy/Harwich/... .In town one Oakley pharmacy is open on a Saturday as well as Boots.
In town two I can't find a Pharmacy open at weekends I have to admit, but the population is 900 FFS. I'm surprised it can support a pharmacy at all, never mind one that opens at weekends.
In either case they can wait until Monday to get a MAP from wherever is convenient for them.
Manningtree might have a population of 900 (England's smallest town) but is contiguous with Lawford & Mistley - about 7000 population in all, plus serves several other villages nearby. It effectively serves around 10,000 people.
The Boots opens Saturdays..
rscott said:
I know they can wait to take it, but human nature means most will want to do something about it as soon as possible. So many will end up paying whatever Boots/Lloyds decide to charge, rather than wait.
Which in itself does not give Boots an obligation to be the cheapest provider of a pill. I'd think the opposite might be more likely rscott said:
Oakley Road pharmacy is closed at weekends according to to the NHS . http://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Pharmacy/Harwich/... .
Manningtree might have a population of 900 (England's smallest town) but is contiguous with Lawford & Mistley - about 7000 population in all, plus serves several other villages nearby. It effectively serves around 10,000 people.
The Boots opens Saturdays..
https://harwich.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/oakley-pharmacy-13370753.html#opening-hours is my info.Manningtree might have a population of 900 (England's smallest town) but is contiguous with Lawford & Mistley - about 7000 population in all, plus serves several other villages nearby. It effectively serves around 10,000 people.
The Boots opens Saturdays..
Regardless however 3/5 days to obtain MAP.
NWTony said:
The MAP can be taken up to 3 days later for the most common type and 5 days for the alternative, so weekend access isn't imperative.
It can, but it's wrong to say time isn't imperative:Levonelle is:
95% effective if taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex
85% effective if taken between 12- 24 hours of unprotected sex
75% effective if taken between 24- 48 hours of unprotected sex
58% effective if taken between 48- 72 hours of unprotected sex
https://www.dred.com/uk/how-effective-is-the-morni...
cookie118 said:
It can, but it's wrong to say time isn't imperative:
Levonelle is:
95% effective if taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex
85% effective if taken between 12- 24 hours of unprotected sex
75% effective if taken between 24- 48 hours of unprotected sex
58% effective if taken between 48- 72 hours of unprotected sex
https://www.dred.com/uk/how-effective-is-the-morni...
Only because I lie following links...Levonelle is:
95% effective if taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex
85% effective if taken between 12- 24 hours of unprotected sex
75% effective if taken between 24- 48 hours of unprotected sex
58% effective if taken between 48- 72 hours of unprotected sex
https://www.dred.com/uk/how-effective-is-the-morni...
"After the first 12 hours, the effectiveness of Levonelle starts to decrease while ellaOne remains 95% effective until you pass the 120 hour mark"
I think I'm done now, free MAPs for all, like a dodgy TomTom download
NWTony said:
cookie118 said:
It can, but it's wrong to say time isn't imperative:
Levonelle is:
95% effective if taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex
85% effective if taken between 12- 24 hours of unprotected sex
75% effective if taken between 24- 48 hours of unprotected sex
58% effective if taken between 48- 72 hours of unprotected sex
https://www.dred.com/uk/how-effective-is-the-morni...
Only because I lie following links...Levonelle is:
95% effective if taken within 12 hours of unprotected sex
85% effective if taken between 12- 24 hours of unprotected sex
75% effective if taken between 24- 48 hours of unprotected sex
58% effective if taken between 48- 72 hours of unprotected sex
https://www.dred.com/uk/how-effective-is-the-morni...
"After the first 12 hours, the effectiveness of Levonelle starts to decrease while ellaOne remains 95% effective until you pass the 120 hour mark"
I think I'm done now, free MAPs for all, like a dodgy TomTom download
'You should take ellaOne as soon as possible after sex'
http://www.boots.com/resource/blob/73448/e5b93a0ad...
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: As said, it's not Boots job to play moral arbiter.
They could have given lots of reasons not to reduce the price but they gave one that's essentially suggested it's a "lifestyle choice" to use the morning after pill.
What about if they took a stance on not supplying products they felt were involved in animal cruelty? They could have given lots of reasons not to reduce the price but they gave one that's essentially suggested it's a "lifestyle choice" to use the morning after pill.
Or over-sugary drinks/food products (perhaps charging more for these)?
Or products it thinks aren't "green" enough?
Retailers should be free to sell what they like at the cost they think works for them as a business. Customers are free to use that retailer or not. If the two sides overlap, everyone's happy. If not, the retailer goes out of business and/or the customer doesn't get a product.
It's how markets work, surely?
Murph7355 said:
Retailers should be free to sell what they like at the cost they think works for them as a business. Customers are free to use that retailer or not. If the two sides overlap, everyone's happy. If not, the retailer goes out of business and/or the customer doesn't get a product.
It's how markets work, surely?
But in the case of the MAP (for any type) the advice is to take it asap. If a town only has a Boots, or only has a boots open at weekends then they are not free to use another retailer.It's how markets work, surely?
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