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   Wednesday, May 17, 2006

   THE DYSTOPIA AWARDS

Wow. Even for a grouchy pessimist like me, the last couple years have been surprising. We've proven that George Orwell was right and now it seems we can hand over a prize to Margaret Atwood:

New federal guidelines ask all females capable of conceiving a baby to treat themselves -- and to be treated by the health care system -- as pre-pregnant, regardless of whether they plan to get pregnant anytime soon.

Among other things, this means all women between first menstrual period and menopause should take folic acid supplements, refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy weight and keep chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes under control.
...
Experts acknowledge that women with no plans to get pregnant in the near future may resist preconception care...So clinicians must find a "way to do this and not scare women," by promoting preconception care as part of standard women's health care...

On the surface, it all sounds so reasonable.