Jeremy Laurance: This contradictory advice leaves women with a difficult choice
Comment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.On one score, women with breast implants made by the now-defunct French company Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) should feel reassured.
There is on present evidence no higher risk of cancer with the devices. The French government conceded that point yesterday, though rather too late to prevent alarm spreading round the world.
Despite this, the Health Minister Xavier Bertrand still chose to recommend removal of the implants from the 30,000 women in France with them and promised to pay the cost.
British women wondering what to do face their own dilemma. While the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons expressed concern at the French recommendation, and said a check-up was all that was needed, the rival British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said it was "not unreasonable" to remove the implants.
Dame Sally Davies, England's chief medical officer, struggled yesterday to reassure women there was nothing to worry about. But it is hard for women to keep their heads when all about are losing them.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments