Mr Willman quotes the results of a study in America the only known scientific experiment to measure the impact of charges on patients' health.

ECONOMIST: Bevan’s baby hits middle age | The

"We are seeing an increase in inquiries, but we're not sure if it's due to the economy or increased awareness, " said Dr. Susan Willman, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Reproductive Science Center of the Bay Area.

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NHS, John Willman weighs up the evidence for and against direct charges, and finds on balance that they could provide a significant source of new money, without undermining its core objective of offering equal access to health care.

ECONOMIST: Bevan’s baby hits middle age | The