Technology Wins One Over Politics
Even one of our most reactionary administrations is reluctantly embracing technology. Faced down by overwhelming cries of dereliction of duty, including mine, last week the administration finally relented and allowed the FDA to approve over the counter sales of Plan B, commonly called "the morning after pill".
Plan B was pretty worthless as a prescription only product. As it's name suggests, it's likely to be bought the morning after, not the week before.
I'm not a fan of the restriction to 18 year olds and older, but at least we've got a compromise that accepts the fact that this product is effective and is not dangerous, which was the only reason that the FDA could have kept if off the market.
Now maybe we can get some common sense on stem cell research too please.
Mr. Wilson - I wrote no fewer than three versions of a comment before I clicked on the link to your "Gotta Have Plan B" post (which has a big nasty spam post on it at the end btw).
Glad I didn't press the Post button. Would have looked pretty foolish: I didn't realize it wasn't RU-486; I didn't realize it wasn't abortive in nature; but from the comments I see it's possible it's not entirely safe (gotta love the FDA and their trials).
In effect - I was ignorant and you and your commenters helped educate me. This time on something a wee bit more serious than music :) Thanks! You fed my learning addiction today.
Posted by: Gerald Buckley | August 27, 2006 at 09:37 AM
What really frustrates me about stem cell research is that most of the media continues to ignore the fact that the U.S. is already the world's largest spender on adult stem cells. These have many of the same benefits as embryonic stem cells but without the epistemological quandary of destroying potential life.
It would be refreshing if this was brought to light so that a cure for who knows what can be expedited.
Posted by: Josh | August 28, 2006 at 10:31 AM
Mr. Wilson... Asking for school to be back in session. :)
Isn't it the administration's position that there be no FEDERAL funding for stem cell research? Which essentially leaves the field open to entities like the Gates Foundation (or the Google Foundation led by Brilliant) to take the helm and post some private sector progress?
Maybe I missed something(?)
Posted by: Gerald Buckley | August 28, 2006 at 11:59 AM
I like your headline...reminds me of Murdoch's fav quote by Arthur C Clarke: "In the struggle for freedom of information, technology not politics will be the ultimate decider"
When will tech win in China?
Posted by: SoulCast | August 28, 2006 at 01:33 PM