I'm sending this to the list because it may have good factual value to
those writing certain kinds of stories (Particularly lemon stories)
Recently, I had a reader point out that that 'The Pill' was quite illegal
in Japan. Thus, the scene I had written for Akane and Megumi in 'Ranma's
Apartment: Storms' (first part available at
http://cyberwheel.simplenet.com/fanfic ) wherin Akane gets BC shots from
the school clinic, would be quite unrealistic.
This *was* the case, up until about 3 months ago. ^_^ I'll admit to not
knowing the fact, and researching it later, but when I actually wrote the
first part of Storms, tri-phase hormone pills (BC Pills) were illegal for
birth control. As a matter of fact, the japanese medical industry has
encouraged a distrust of them. 'Only prostitues and sluts use pills' is a
common sentiment. There's also a frequent unfounded association between
venerial disease and pills since, if there is a pill being used, a condom
probably isn't.
Before two months ago, the only way that women could get the pill was to
have it prescribed to them because of menstrual irregularity.
About two months ago, I read a story in the news stating that Japan had
finally legalized the pill, and that the doctors behind the legislation
were going to start on the arduous task of reeducating the public on the
proper use of hormone pills for birth control, and eliminating the
suspicion that pills actually caused VD and other health problems.
The story I read is still up on CNN's site:
http://cnn.com/ASIANOW/east/9909/01/japan.pill.ap/
Boy was I surprised! ^_^;
Since Ranma's Apartment is still a work in progress, we'll just have the
imaginary date be *after* the date of the new laws.
Since this is an FYI for fanfiction writers, please do not spam the list
discussing this. If reply to me, please use private mail.
C.
* * *
C. Jones - cjones@arn.net
ARNet Incorporated - (806)3553539
Will edit .conf files for food.