Stupid hosting filter

[Rhiannon]

Am trying to post about Boots and something and can't because I keep getting the Forbidden error message.

Anyway, here is the link. Doesn't look like we'll be able to discuss it in a meaningful way.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40676534

[Shaker]

I not only saw that but thought of starting a thread on it. Obviously I needn't have bothered

Utterly beggars belief that Boots is taking the monumentally nannyish and patronising route of wanting to avoid "incentivising inappropriate use."

Er - women who need the MAP decide what's appropriate don't they?

And listen to this craven, mealy-mouthed poltroonery: "In our experience, the subject of [emergency hormonal contraception] polarises public opinion and we receive frequent contact from individuals who voice their disapproval of the fact that [Boots] chooses to provide this service."

In the words of S. J. Fry: so fucking what? Are these same people writing their green ink letters all in capitals about the fact that Boots sells condoms?

I know the company was founded in 1849; clearly some of the hierarchy still live there.

[Rhiannon]

It can be rough on the body with unpleasant side effects so routine overuse isn't a good idea, but other pharmacies take the view that women are responsible for their own bodies.

Equally staggering though is the idea that Boots won't make it available affordably because people object to them selling it and protest about it. WTF?

[wigginhall]

I don't even understand what inappropriate use means.   Does this mean that it's OK for nice middle-class girls but not council estate slags?   

It almost amounts to keeping the price high to deter the riff-raff.   

[Shaker]

It can be rough on the body with unpleasant side effects so routine overuse isn't a good idea, but other pharmacies take the view that women are responsible for their own bodies.

In normal society I thought that was a given.

Equally staggering though is the idea that Boots won't make it available affordably because people object to them selling it and protest about it. WTF?

Cowardice, I think it's called. What do you imagine is the proportion of the public comprising those individuals who make "frequent contact" with Boots to voice their disapproval?

[Shaker]

I don't even understand what inappropriate use means. Does this mean that it's OK for nice middle-class girls but not council estate slags?   

It almost amounts to keeping the price high to deter the riff-raff.

You've pretty much got it in one there.

Tesco and Superdrug will do well out of it, I expect.

[Rhiannon]

Yes, I suspect its an excuse to keep up profits.

[wigginhall]

I see that Jess Phillips is asking Boots if they deliver moral homilies when men buy condoms.   Well, guess.

[Rhiannon]

Just been googling articles on this and seen the Telegraph describing 'sheepish' women queuing in Boots on a Saturday morning.

[wigginhall]

It's alarming that Boots are US-owned now.   I wonder if there is an element of pro-life coming in here?   The statement does mention disapproval as a factor.

[Rhiannon]

It's alarming that Boots are US-owned now.   I wonder if there is an element of pro-life coming in here?   The statement does mention disapproval as a factor.

I didn't know that they are US owned but I think this is far more about pro-life views than anything else. The comment articles I'm reading on this seem to miss that. People aren't protesting about women having access to contraception, they are protesting about something that to them is a means of abortion.

I wonder if the 'consultation' that Boots have as mandatory with all purchases has a pro-life element too?

Still, Boots knows what women really want...can't look in the mirror until those wrinkles have gone, ladies.

[wigginhall]

Pro-life people definitely oppose the MAP.   I'm not sure if this is a factor for Boots. 

Some of the comments online are stupid and some just sexist.   Well, often both.

Actually, I don't think there are that many Tesco pharmacies  or Superdrug shops.   If you live in a small town, it is likely that Boots is the only chemist.

I believe that Boots are paid by the NHS to give a service to people.  WTF?   But then they were in trouble for milking the system.

[Rhiannon]

Pro-life people definitely oppose the MAP.   I'm not sure if this is a factor for Boots. 

Some of the comments online are stupid and some just sexist.   Well, often both.

Actually, I don't think there are that many Tesco pharmacies  or Superdrug shops.   If you live in a small town, it is likely that Boots is the only chemist.

I believe that Boots are paid by the NHS to give a service to people.  WTF?   But then they were in trouble for milking the system.

If you live in a small town there are Tesco pharmacies around somewhere or other but it means a drive. No good for a teenager.

[SusanDoris]

I see that Jess Phillips is asking Boots if they deliver moral homilies when men buy condoms.   Well, guess.

ETA: If American influence is muscling in, then one's heart sinks.
At least far more people are speaking up, making sure they are heard and putting what they are saying on the internet for others to read and support.

[Harrowby Hall]

Boots has had its knuckles well and truly rapped. The company is now promising to change its behaviour.

If there is any truth in the suspicions that its American ownership influenced its behaviour then this is another instance of the wrong-headedness of the "Britain is for sale" attitude. Alien cultural values supplanting our own.

[floo]

Boots should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves!

[Shaker]

Boots has had its knuckles well and truly rapped. The company is now promising to change its behaviour.

Oh dear. The most wretched and dismal phrase in public discourse - "Lessons will be learned."

Which as we all know is an arse-covering and face-saving platitude deployed by those caught out and don't want to fess up.