Record View says women deserve full transparency over what goes into their bodies.
For decades contraceptive jag Depo-Provera was marketed as safe and convenient.
But for a growing number of women across Scotland, that convenience has come at a devastating costs. Recent medical studies have confirmed what affected patients have suspected for years: prolonged use of the drug can increase the risk of developing brain tumours.
The tumours are non-cancerous but they can cause serious health problems. Women have been robbed of their sight, suffered debilitating seizures and forced to endure invasive neurosurgery.
Yet thousands of them were kept on this jag for 10, 20, or even 30 years without a single warning. Now doctors have been told to warn women about the risks after dozens left with life-altering injuries spoke out in the Daily Record. This development is welcome, but long overdue.
It has come too late for Tammy Croston, a 47-year-old from Fife who suffered serious consequences from an operation to remove such a tumour. In today’s Daily Record she tells readers this new guidance should have happened years ago – and no sensible person could disagree.
Contraceptive care relies entirely on informed consent. A woman cannot weigh the risks and benefits of her family planning choices if the most severe risks are hidden from her. It is incredible that patients were left to discover these links through social media or post-operative research rather than from their own doctors.
Warning women about Depo-Provera isn’t about panicking the public or stripping away contraceptive options. It’s about restoring the dignity of choice. Women deserve full transparency over what goes into their bodies.
Be drink aware
It is freshers’ week at universities around Scotland and thousands of young people will be taking their first steps into independent adult life.
For the vast majority it will be good fun, with many teenagers taking to pubs and clubs to enjoy their new-found freedom. But new figures showing drink spiking incidents on the rise will be a concern for parents and young people.
These attacks are notoriously difficult to police or prosecute, so awareness and sensible precautions are vital. Never leave drinks unattended. And most importantly, look after your pals if you think they are vulnerable on a night out.
There’s no reason for young people to live in fear or mistrust new people. But by taking a few sensible steps they can have a good night out – and get home safely.
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login