Victoria Derbyshire Programme: ‘Roaccutane should not be prescribed on NHS’

An exclusive on the acne drug Roaccutane. The parents of young people who have killed themselves and some patients with loss of libido are calling for the NHS not to prescribe it.

Manufacturer Roche said “millions of patients worldwide have benefited from taking the drug”.

The majority of those who take the drug have a positive experience.

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(17 May, 2019)

Victoria Derbyshire Programme: Women’s frozen eggs ‘should be stored for longer’

Women who freeze their eggs should be allowed to keep them for longer than 10 years, fertility experts are telling the government.

Legislation says frozen eggs must be destroyed after this time, unless a medical condition has left the woman prematurely infertile.

Experts told the Victoria Derbyshire programme that the limit was arbitrary and had not kept up with technology.

The government has said an extension “would be a significant policy change”.

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(21 January 2019)

Scale of maternity discrimination hidden because of gagging orders

The scale of maternity discrimination is being hidden because of the use of gagging orders when women who have lost their jobs settle out of court, experts have told the Victoria Derbyshire programme.

“My boss said if I’m not going back to work, then I’d have to pay back all the maternity payment.”

“Emma” – not her real name – was working as a beautician when she became pregnant.

She did not realise at the time that her boss’s request was against the law.

She was called into the salon and told by the owner she would no longer be needed at the company.

“I didn’t know what to do. I’m a single mum, no family. No-one can help me,” she tells the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme.

“How can I pay my rent? How can I pay my bills? I was floored.”

Continue reading and watch short film here