E-drug: OC OTC? (cont)
----------------------
In the Netherlands until recently, contraceptives wer financed by the
government in its basic insurance fund, but, as of 1996, only abortion
remains covered by this fund. Contraceptives are now included in both
obligatory, basic insurance plans and voluntary insurance packages
offered by private companies. However, this may change in the future.
For instance, in 1995 the Minister of Health
announced a proposal to sell oral contraceptives over the counter.
This was met by strong opposition by the Parliament, service providers
and women's organizations. Eventually, the minister withdrew her
proposal. The private sexual and reproductive health clinics do not
have a contract with the insurance companies and therefore clients
must pay for services themselves.
This text is taken from the latest WHAF publication entitled
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN PRACTICE. A FEMINIST REPORT ON THE QUALITY OF
CARE, to be issued next August.
More details about this book and an accompanying Manual will follow in
due time.
Regards,
Connie Lopez
Office manager
Women's Health Action Foundation (WHAF)
P.O. Box 94263
1009 AG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 20 665 2002
Fax +31 20 665 3002
e-mail: 101526.250@compuserve.com
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