Other letters

From The Fiji Times , Suva

Norplant concerns

With surprise I have read the positive reception by Fijian clinics of the contra ception Norplant.

I am not an expert on contraceptives but I know about the heated debates and the strong opposition by many European woman’s health organisations regarding Norplant. The side-effects experienced by women seem to be serious.

Moreover, some women have experi enced that it is not easy at all to get the

capsules removed. One woman under went six attempts and after that was told that one of the six 34mm capsules will remain in her arm indefinitely.

In the UK 30 women have formed the Norplant Action Group to sue the distrib utors of the drug. Another negative con notation with Norplant stems from the enthusiasm with which it is used by sup pressive regimes as forced birth control.

In some countries, Norplant capsules are implanted in women belonging to an unwanted minority, without the approval of the woman concerned.

The Indonesian authorities have stated that Norplant is an ideal contraceptive for the women in West Papua (Irian Jaya) because they are branded as too primitive to understand and use other methods of birth control.

I hope that the ones responsible for the introduction of Norplant in Fiji are well aware of the problems associated with the drug and that their decision is based on

serious and objective contemplation.

Evelien Van Den Broek

Lami Fiji

Sea turtles

1995 marked the passing of an impor tant year, the Year of the Sea Turtle.

We have leamt what a great creature of the land and sea it is. For us, they may appear old and wise, slow but sure. But just how sure is its future?

In a year from now, are Fijians going to remember there was a moratorium on the taking or killing of sea turtles? Are those who inhabit these shores going to say no to the unnecessary slaughter of this now endangered species?

Under present legislation, taking or killing of sea turtles is prohibited during November to February. At the end of this sea turtles will again be vulnerable and

killing will be permitted.

The Fijian law needs to be reviewed to impose a ban to protect turtles from anni hilation.

Julie Sutherland

Lami Suva