Obese women could be deprived of IVF

TLCSupport — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:38:00 GMT

IVF experts reveal that women with a Body Mass Index of more than 35 could be deprived of IVF treatment. Only when a woman has a body mass of below 30 will they then be considered for treatment. Experts say that this is for the welfare of both mother and baby. Being overweight when pregnant could cause a number of problems such as decreasing the possibility that fertility treatment will be successful, it also increases the risk of complications during fertility and pregnancy says Mr Tony Rutherford, the chair of the BFS’s policy committee. Other problems such as failing to see ovaries on ultra sound scans and higher risk of miscarriages are also a concern with overweight women. Dr Colin Waine, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, disagrees and describes the new guidelines as ‘’troubling’’ and ‘’discriminating’’. Should IVF experts decide whether overweight women should have treatment or should the risks be discussed and left up to the individual to decide? Are they taking away the right for women, overweight or not, to start a family? Some women find it extremely hard to lose weight and are naturally overweight due to genetics so are they automatically cut off from IVF treatment? Is this a big enough incentive for the obese to lose weight in our bigger society? What do other people think?

Gordon Brown to tax local firms for going green!?

TLCSupport — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:25:00 GMT

Businesses trying to tackle climate change and installing greener energy technology face higher taxes, Conservatives warned today. The Valuation Office Agency, an arm of Inland Revenue, is preparing to tax solar panels, wind turbines and micro-generation technology with higher business rates and council tax bills. This follows the news that Tony Blairs targets for renewable energy are set to be abandoned by Gordon Brown.

Higher business rates for green energy: The small print of the Pre-Budget Report earlier this month admits that “the installation of micro-generation equipment in business premises can trigger an increased liability for business rates”. It pledges not to increase bills until the next revaluation – yet the rates revaluation inspection process will start next year, with new bills issued in 2010.
Higher taxes wipe out energy saving benefits: Previously unseen research by the Renewable Energy Association, obtained by Conservatives, has calculated that the higher business rate liability "more than wipes out the value of the electricity generated". As a result a solar panel "will never achieve a payback, but would be a continual financial drain on the company". A typical wind turbine for commercial premises will increase the business rates bill by £1,350 a year, while a solar (photovoltaic) installation will mean an extra £2,700 a year in rates.

Eric Pickles MP, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, said:

“Rather than using the tax system to reward green behaviour, Gordon Brown is crippling small businesses who want to do their bit to tackle climate change, hitting them with unfair stealth taxes. Firms who install solar panels or wind turbines will face soaring business rate bills. This will wipe out their electricity savings and discourage them from going green, in turn increasing carbon emissions.

Can anyone shed a light whether this is true? I can't seem to find anything to back this up.

Are we not encouraged to do what we can to reduce carbon emissions? To help our environment that we all share and contribute to a healthier planet and now we're being charged to make these changes!?

I think our country has gone mad - introducing all these new legislations is like living under a rule book and our freedom seems to be slipping through our finger tips uncontrollably but thats another story!

Going green costs more?

Obese women could be deprived of IVF

Gordon Brown to tax local firms for going green!?