Home abortion kits backed by women who used them in Ireland

Women in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland who have obtained abortion pills online in defiance of the law overwhelmingly express gratitude and relief that they were able to end an unwanted pregnancy, a new study shows.

Their only regret, according to a paper published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is that they are having to do something that is illegal in their country. They express anger and disappointment that they could not access a safe, legal abortion and felt they were treated as second-class citizens.

“Abortion is a huge decision for some women to make. It’s shameful that we are met with brick walls and judgment in our own country,” said one.

Abortion is illegal in both countries but since 2006, the Netherlands-based organisation Women on Web has been offering medical consultations online and dispatching in the post the two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol – that will terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks.

The organisation offers the service around the world and has seen a sharp increase in women seeking help from countries in Latin America, where abortion is also illegal, after the link was made between Zika virus infection in pregnancy and brain damage in babies.

Packages shipped to Ireland are stopped, so women travel to Northern Ireland to collect them instead. It is not illegal to buy or sell the drugs, but it is to use them to bring about an abortion.

In April, a woman in Northern Ireland who took the pills and was reported to the police by her two flatmates was given a three-month suspended sentence by Belfast crown court. The case sparked protests and demonstrations of solidarity from other women who announced they too had resorted to the abortion pills and challenged police to arrest them.

Women with an unwanted pregnancy in Ireland previously had to travel to the UK if they wanted to have an abortion. Between 1970 and 2015, 180,797 women from Ireland and 61,311 women from Northern Ireland made the journey. Many still do rather than break the law by bringing about an abortion at home.

But the study, carried out by Abigail Aiken and her colleagues at the University of Texas at Austin, found that many of the women who went online for help could not afford to travel or to take time off work or the costs of childcare.

“These barriers create a stark health inequity: women with financial and social resources can access offshore termination of pregnancy, while women who lack such resources cannot,” says the paper.

The study found that 5,650 women sought help from the site between 2010 and 2015. Most (85%) were between 20 and 30 years old and were mothers (63%).

The most common reason for choosing to terminate pregnancy (reported by 62% of women) was not being able to cope with a child at that point in their lives. Nearly half – 44% – cited having no money to provide for a child, and 23% felt their family was already complete. Nearly a third – 30% – felt they were too young to have a child or wanted to finish their education.

Almost all – 97% – said they felt accessing and using the medication at home was the right thing for them and 98% said they would recommend it to other women in a similar situation. The most common feeling they reported after completing the procedure was relief (70%), followed by satisfaction (36%). Over a quarter – 26.8% – said they were happy and 22% said they were pleased. The vast majority – 94% – expressed gratitude that they could go online and obtain the pills.

“There is a very negative perception of a home abortion,” said Aiken, an Irish-born assistant professor at the US university. “People regard it as desperate and a last resort. But women say it is very helpful for their health, wellbeing and autonomy. The only negative thing is that they have to do it outside of the law.”

The website asks women to make a donation to its costs, suggesting €70 to €90. Over a third – 35% – said they found it difficult to find the money. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they did not get enough emotional support from family and friends.

One of the women surveyed told the researchers: “There is no way I could have afforded to travel to England, pay for the procedure, stay in a hotel, and have someone there to support me. Thanks to this service, I was able to have a safe abortion in an environment where I felt comfortable and with my partner there to support me. Thank you for enabling women to have control over their own bodies.”

Others said that without access to home abortion, they would have considered suicide. “I can’t thank you enough – you have saved my life,” said one. “I would have had to resort to desperate measures. You will never understand how grateful I am.”

Home abortion kits backed by women who used them in Ireland

8 Science Backed Reasons You Should Drink Kombucha Tea

Kombucha tea, some call it the ‘tea of immortality’, has been popular in the Chinese culture for the last 2000 years. And recently, research has discovered that this fermented tea has myriad health benefits.

Kombucha tea is now popular and you can buy it in health store, coffee shops or make it at home. But why should you drink this strange tea? Well, this article will answer that question. Here are 7 reasons why drinking kombucha every day can improve your health.

1. It’s rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants help prevent inflammation and protect your cells. And research shows that antioxidants from teas and foods are better than those from supplements. Drinking kombucha has also shown benefits such as protecting the liver from toxicity.

2. It kills harmful bacteria

When kombucha is fermented it produces a substance called acetic acid. And this acid has the ability to kill harmful bacteria in the body. In fact, kombucha is more effective at killing harmful bacteria when made with green tea.

3. Kombucha can help prevent cancer

Researchers say that kombocha prevented the growth and spreading of cancer cells in test-tube studies. This was attributed to the fact that kombucha is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Not only that, studies show people who drink green tea regularly have a less risk of different types of cancer.

4. Kombucha improves joint health

Kombucha can help protect your joints and reduce arthritic pain. And it can also improve skin health and reduce wrinkles.

5. Kombucha is good for weight loss

First I’d like to say that drinking a certain beverage or eating certain foods won’t melt away fat by itself, you still have to stick to the principles of weight loss. That said, research shows that kombucha helps boost metabolism and prevent storage of fat.

6. It’s rich in probiotics

As I mentioned earlier, kombucha is made through fermentation, and research shows probiotics are produced during the fermentation process. As you may know, probiotics produce healthy bacteria that improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

7. Kombucha can reduce risk of heart disease

Even though this evidence is based on rat study, the results are promising. Research found that kombucha improved cholesterol in as little as 30 days. And when made with green tea it lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL).

8. Kombucha can boost your energy

When made from black tea kombucha produces iron during fermentation, and this can boost your energy. And it’s also rich in caffeine which will definitely energize you.

For more information on eating healthy and staying fit, download your FREE Flat Belly Guide to help you improve your health and physique. Like us on FACEBOOK

8 Science Backed Reasons You Should Drink Kombucha Tea

Stage-by-step Guides to Make Organic Apple-Cider Vinegar At Home: 10 Investigation Backed Benefits

Apple cider vinegar has plenty of medicinal properties and has been used in lots of remedies as nicely. Numerous researches have currently found the remarkable positive aspects that apple cider vinegar has relating to numerous bodily ailments and cleaning purposes.

Apple cider vinegar is low in calories, one tablespoon equals is just 3 calories, and it is loaded with nutritional vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Following are some study-primarily based well being advantages of natural apple cider vinegar, collectively with the “how-to” ideas:

1. 1:2 blend of apple cider vinegar with water tends to make an effective resolution for cleansing.

two. Apply apple cider vinegar on the scalp helps treat dandruff and itchy scalp, this is due to the effective enzyme in apple cider vinegar that with robust anti-bacteria capability.

three. Add a single portion apple cider vinegar with two-three components water helps make a good solution for treating skin issues. As the acidity of apple cider vinegar is closer to the normal PH degree of the skin, this is helpful to defend against germs and bacteria which could injury our skin.

four. The acids in apple cider vinegar help release the toxins from the entire body much more efficiently. Simply mix eight oz. of water with 2-three teaspoons of natural apple cider vinegar and include honey to taste. Drink it before meals will be wonderful for detoxification and also will support digestion, boost the immune system.

5. Apple cider vinegar had a natural anti-histamine impact, if you’re struggling from seasonal allergy symptoms, it can relieve the signs and symptoms successfully. Drink one/4 cup of raw apple cider vinegar with 4 oz. of water, 3 times a day. You can also sweeten the mixture with raw honey for relieving the allergy symptoms.

6. Apple cider vinegar has benefits that might lessen and prevent acid reflux, as usually the food items low in acidity are the main cause for acid reflux, and apple cider vinegar mimics the acid level of the stomach to market digestion. Drinking 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar mixed with water just before every meal may avoid and or lessen the symptoms.

seven. Mineral and electrolyte depletion may lead to muscle fatigue after physical exercise, to resolve this problem, you can take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water prior to your work out.

eight. Gargle with apple cider vinegar aids to remove poor breath and also whiten teeth. Simply add one/two tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar in water and use it as a mouthwash, use it twice a day.

9. A review showed that obese folks who consumed 15-30ml of apple cider vinegar each and every day for twelve weeks, had a reduction in body excess fat mass. Apple cider vinegar helps bodyweight reduction in two techniques: firstly, it increases satiety following a meal, indicates it will make you truly feel complete for a long time. Secondly, apple cider vinegar also helps regulate blood sugar ranges, assisting to burn far more calories and curb cravings.

ten. Make a tonic with two-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar mixed in eight ounces of water, eat it once a day, and together with more fruits, veggies, high fiber diet plan performs successfully to combat constipation.

Homemade Natural Apple Cider Vinegar With Apple Cores and Peels, Sugar and Water

1. For producing your personal apple cider vinegar, put together one cup apple cores and peels, 2 tablespoons sugar and adequate water.


2. Uncover a glass container and a glass plate that fits just within the container. Dip them into boiling water to make them completely clean.


3. Place apple cores, peels and sugar in the container, include water to cover the components by an inch.


4. Place the plate on prime of the container to keep the elements from poking up into the air. Cover with a tea towel and area it in a dark area at space temperature for a week, this will be the ferment procedure.


5. Following a week, pour the mixture via a strainer into a clean jar and cover with clean cloth. Secure material with a ring from a canning jar and store in a dark location for at least six weeks.


6. Well carried out, the liquid smells and tastes like vinegar, store it in a narrow-necked bottle and seal with a lid. You can save it in the refrigerator, it will last longer than in room temperature.

Use as desired!

Sources: ehow.com, livestrong.com, cookforgood.com

Go through More:

Coconut Vinegar – Why You Should Love It

8 Very good Causes to Drink Apple Ginger Kombucha (With Recipe)

2 Intelligent Turmeric Smoothie Recipes to Optimize Turmeric Absorption

Stage-by-step Guides to Make Organic Apple-Cider Vinegar At Home: 10 Investigation Backed Benefits

"Remote-control" contraceptive implant produced backed by Bill Gates

Currently the contraceptive implant the NHS offers lasts three many years but if a lady wishes to get rid of it just before then, she should attend a clinic.

The creators think it will be much more convenient and if it passes safety exams, it could be on the market place as early as 2018. They stated it would be “competitively priced”.

Pre-clinical testing of the implant, designed by start-up MicroCHIPS in Massachusetts, will start up coming 12 months.

The idea for the chip originated two years in the past. Throughout a go to to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) lab, Gates and his colleagues asked Robert Langer, professor at MIT, regardless of whether it was achievable to generate birth manage that a girl could turn off and on.

MIT explained the implant would have to be encrypted to protect wireless data movement and maintain it safe.

The chip’s dimension is 20mm x 20mm x 7mm and reservoirs of the hormone are stored on a 1.5cm-wide microchip inside of the device.

The implant’s everyday dose performs by a little electric charge melting an ultra-thin seal close to the hormone. This would then release a 30 microgram dose into the entire body.

The co-creator of the chip, Dr Robert Farra, mentioned that the manage would have to be close sufficient for skin contact.

“Someone across the room are not able to reprogram your implant,” Dr Farra, from MIT, explained.

He additional: “The capability to turn the device on and off gives a particular convenience factor for people who are organizing their household.”

However the chip would not be without having its difficulties in accordance to Simon Karger.

The head of surgical and interventional company at Cambridge Consultants informed the BBC implanted technology faced some apparent hazards and difficulties.

Mr Karger explained he could “foresee a potential in which a massive selection of problems are treated via wise implanted systems”.

"Remote-control" contraceptive implant produced backed by Bill Gates

Move to block hospital closures law backed by 20 coalition MPs

Jeremy Hunt, the wellness secretary, put forward clause 119. Photograph: Neil Hall/PA

About 20 MPs from the coalition parties prepare to rebel on Tuesday towards government ideas that could depart properly-run hospitals in danger of becoming closed if neighbouring ones get into trouble.

Paul Burstow, the former Liberal Democrat well being minister who is spearheading opposition to the move, mentioned that at least twenty MPs from his get together and the Conservatives had indicated that they would not back the programs in a Commons vote either by voting towards or abstaining.

He is searching for to amend clause 119 of the care bill, dubbed the “hospital closure clause”, which as it stands would give a “believe in particular administrator” appointed to kind out a failing hospital trust the energy to buy alterations in the makeup of an additional local hospital’s services as component of an total solution, including downgrading it or even shutting it.

Jeremy Hunt, the overall health secretary, place forward clause 119 right after the high court ruled that it was illegal for the unique trust administrator hired to kind out the heavily loss-generating South London Healthcare trust to purchase the rundown of services at nearby Lewisham hospital as a way of reorganising healthcare in south London.

Burstow wants to give neighborhood medical professionals who commission solutions from a distinct hospital not straight concerned in the other’s difficulties the right to veto any this kind of ideas for an administrator to interfere in its running.

“Support for my amendment has been increasing. It feels to me that there is a growing disquiet on the Conservative side of the coalition about these strategies, plus there are Liberal Democrat MPs who share the concern”, Burstow mentioned.

Lib Dem MPs like Andrew George, Julian Huppert and Michael Thornton have pledged to assistance Burstow’s amendment, as has Green celebration MP Caroline Lucas. Labour MPs will also back it.

Burstow has also spoken to a quantity of Tories who have concerns, which includes Jeremy Lefroy, the Tory MP for Stafford. The town’s hospital is due to drop important services, this kind of as its A&ampE and maternity units, when Mid Staffordshire NHS Basis believe in, which runs it, is broken up due to a blend of the scandal of poor care there in 2005-09, economic troubles and recurrent staffing difficulties.

“While it is vital that there is a clear and productive method to provide services and stability to a nearby location when a single hospital fails, that should not suggest ignoring the experience, experience and preferences of nearby people and clinicians in hospitals that are carrying out nicely. My new clause aims to place some democracy and fairness back into the program to ensure that it operates for the good of everyone”, Burstow added. Labour on Tuesday warns that men and women in 32 communities across England could end up with no true say in the long term of their neighborhood hospital if clause 119 is passed.

It has named 32 hospital trusts about which the NHS Believe in Advancement Authority (TDA) or Keep track of, the NHS regulators, have raised issues about their finances or viability. They consist of twenty trusts which the TDA expects to end 2013-14 in the red and twelve basis trusts exactly where Keep track of has ordered enforcement action due to the fact it fears they may not be in a position to maintain delivering all their solutions.

Burstow is hoping that the Division of Wellness may possibly offer concessions on clause 119 that would assauge his fears. But if it does not, he will push his clause to a vote after the debate on Clause 119, which is expected on Tuesday afternoon.

Move to block hospital closures law backed by 20 coalition MPs