This is why sometimes I REALLY want to just move out of this country!

Why is it that other places in the world, especially in Europe, things just seem to be going a lot better on the progressive front, and in the Unites States, I just feel like we're all just stuck in limbo when it comes to healthcare and other such issues. Can people just seriously get over their conservative or what not minds, and just think outside of the box...and how we should be helping people?! Hope this makes sense.

But not yet available here in Quebec, arguably the most liberal province. Our government wants to do more studies before it is approved, considering how few countries have already approved it. I can't say I disagree.

woot! it's reasons like this why I'm proud to be a Canadian :)

only 5 countries in the world...that's it??!!

I'm a little confused about the specifics of this list. Does "full OTC status" mean, you just walk into a pharmacy and pick it up and then pay? Because when I was in Sweden, I needed EC, and while I had to ask for it at the counter, I didn't have any "medical consultation" nor was I asked for ID--it was just like in the U.S. when you ask for something that's locked up behind the counter because it's likely to be stolen, mp3 players for example. My friend in France had the same experience.
I guess I see how it can limit access having it behind the counter--not "over" the counter--is that the distinction made?

Oh, and the thing about Swedish pharmacies is that hardly anything is actually in the aisles for you to pick up... They have, like, bandages and vitamins, but even for simple aspirin you have to ask at the counter. It's just how it's run, and I don't think anyone is accusing Sweden of limiting civil liberties. They also have far fewer brands in the US, so there's usually only one choice and you ask for that. So this list is a little skewed.

Wonderful . . . but this still requires a cooperating pharmacist, doesn't it?

Kyra:

"This new status will make Canada the fifth country worldwide that allows women to go into any pharmacy and purchase the single dose pill without speaking to a pharmacist first."

So no.

To be honest, when I got EC in Canada last year, I really didn't mind talking to the pharmacist at all. They were very helpful and non-judgmental. To me, taking the EC was kind of a big deal, and the potential side effects are serious enough that I thought it was good to hear these things from the pharmacist, especially since whether I actually needed the EC was dubious (I was more than a day late taking my pill) and it was rather painful while taking it (cramps, nausea, etc).

Kyra:

"This new status will make Canada the fifth country worldwide that allows women to go into any pharmacy and purchase the single dose pill without speaking to a pharmacist first."

So no.

lindabeth:

And that's why some people here are concerned that it's available over the counter now, because women and girls don't have to speak to a pharmacists. This means that many women might not know the side effects of EC when they take it.

Nevertheless, I'm glad it's over the counter. This will, I think, make many girls and women more comfortable with going to get it, thereby avoiding the need for an abortion (or worse, unwanted motherhood).

I actually just purchased a dose of Plan B when I went away this weekend (forgot my BC pills at home, didn't notice until after) Needless to say I'm glad it was OTC because I would have had to find a doctor to prescribe it to me in an an area of Maine I'm not familiar with. Only problem, it cost me $50!! That's five weeks of BC! Not to mention the Judgy McJudgerson behind the counter at Wal Mart as she walked away with my drivers license to enter my birthday (DL #?) into the computer. S

So yes, it's over the counter, but not really over the counter since it is clearly priced to discourage people from buying it.

Proud to be Canadian.

Out of curiousity - how many of you would consider moving to Canada if John McCain is elected and appoints judges who overturn Roe v. Wade?

Would that seal the deal for anyone?

Yay for Canada indeed. :)

I had a horrible experience trying to buy EC here in Texas. They say it's "over the counter", but you have to wait in line at the pharmacists counter to ask for it. I wouldn't have minded doing that but I had to go to 6 different pharmacies (Walgreens and CVS) before finding one that had EC in stock. I was completely on edge by the time I found a Walgreens that had it in stock, but they were very nice and professional about it which was a relief. Then as I was leaving the pharmacy some random guy did some lame little cat-call in passing. Ugh. I had the over-whelming urge to just turn around and lash out at him while waving that box of Plan B in his face like a crazed lunatic. But I just kept on walking. I was pissed at the time (and for a few days after the time) but looking back his timing couldnt have been more amusing.

Anyway, I called every pharmacy that was conveniently "out of stock" to talk to their managers. I also organized a couple friends to bombard them with phone calls inquiring about EC. :)

Jill:
I would consider moving to Canada if he simply gets elected...

Also, the only side-effect I experienced after taking Plan B was sore breasts. That was pleasantly unexpected.

I encourage women to buy plan B in advance and have it around "just in case". That way you will never be at the mercy of

1) Asshole pharmacies who don't stock it
2) Asshole pharmacists

Just make sure you check the expiration date on the product before you purchase it. The date should be a couple of years out.

If it's too expensive, check around to see if there are some clinics offering it at a discount.

Believe you me, a pack of birth control pills is already dirt cheap. 2 pills for Plan B, probably costs the manufacturers close to nothing.

They are really ripping off the consumer here...

My family already decided to move to Canada (when Bush was re-elected in 2004) and applied for perminant residency - we've been living here a little over two years and I love it. :) If McCain is elected, though, I'll be particularly glad of our choice.

Although I have no problem having to ask my pharmacist for it, I didn't like how I almost had to pay for a "consultation" for 20 minutes before I could get it. I ended up sitting in a medicenter instead of paying a ridiculous amount for the pharmacist tech to tell me what i can read in the box.

I was just wondering about the person who paid 50$? Was this in canada?

Because I think, yes technically it already was "otc" in some places, but you were really paying for a "consultation". When I had to buy plan b, it cost me under 20$ when I got the prescription, but had I just gone to the pharm instead I would have had to pay an extra 25$ or so. So now it should be cheaper (hopefully) because you don't need the consult anymore.