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Last broadcast on Tue, 24 Jan 2012, 10:00 on BBC Radio 4.
Synopsis
Over-priced fertility treatment - should there be limits on how much private clinics can charge? Will the Leveson Enquiry look into how women are portrayed in the media as part of its review? New alternatives to prison for female offenders and breast awareness - what should you do to check for cancer? Presented by Jenni Murray.
Breast Awareness
What’s the best way for women to be on their guard for early signs of breast cancer? Speaking on Woman’s Hour yesterday Professor Peter Gotzsche from the Nordic Cochrane Research Centre in Copehagen cast doubt on the usefulness of breast screening programmes. He even said that it wasn’t worthwhile women examining their own breasts once a month. We find out what the Department of Health recommends and the latest advice from Breast Cancer Care.
The Leveson Inquiry and Women in the Media
On Tuesday 24 January the Leveson Inquiry will be hearing submissions from four women’s groups. They argue that the Leveson inquiry will “not be doing its job properly” if it does not examine the portrayal of women in the media. They argue that the media too often endorses attitudes that condone abuse and violence against women and that the sexualisation of women in the media degrades women. Sarah Green, Campaigns Manager for End Violence Against Women Coalition and Professor of Journalism, Roy Greenslade join Jenni Murray in the studio to explore whether the Leveson inquiry will change the way women are portrayed in the media.
IVF : Are fertility clinics exploiting couples desperate to have children?
Fertility pioneer, Lord Robert Winston continues to voice his concerns on the costs of IVF treatment, accusing clinics of exploiting desperate couples. It is estimated that infertility affects one in six heterosexual couples in the UK and the number of couples having IVF treatment continues to rise steadily; in 2010 45,000 women had IVF. Newspapers report some Primary Care Trusts are offering very limited or no treatment for infertility, citing cuts in funding as the reason for this. So is IVF unfairly expensive and is access to treatment a postcode lottery for those unable to pay privately? Jenni is joined by Susan Seenan, Deputy Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK, Dr Gillian Lockwood from Midland Fertility Services and Justine who has already spent over £30,000 on fertility treatment.
Alternatives to Women's Prisons
In 2007 the Corston Report called for an end to putting non-violent women offenders in jail and for the set-up of Women’s Centres as an alternative to prison. As 9 out of 10 women offenders have been convicted of non-violent crimes, custodial sentences can add to the trauma, chaos, and disruption to the lives of these women and their children. In the last year these Women’s Centres have been jointly funded by the government and the Corston Independent Funders’ Coalition, who are today launching a report citing the increased number of centres as a great achievement. However, funding from these trusts and foundations is set to end, and so the future of these centres is under threat unless the government steps in. So how effective and vital is the work of Women's Centres as an alternative to prison for vulnerable women?
Chapters
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Chapter 1
Sarah Green and Roy Greenslade join Jenni Murray in the studio to explore whether the Leveson inquiry will change the way women are portrayed in the media.
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Chapter 2
We find out what the Department of Health recommends and the latest advice from Breast Cancer Care.
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Chapter 3
How effective and vital is the work of Women's Centres as an alternative to prison for vulnerable women? Jenni talks to Baroness Corston.
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Chapter 4
Sierra Leone has the dubious label of having the worst rate of maternal mortality in the world. Kati Whitaker investigates what is being done to combat the problem.
Broadcast
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Tue 24 Jan 201210:00
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