In "No place for politics in stem cell science" (Commentary, June 11), columnist Dennis Byrne states, "The politicalization of science by the left to further its political goals ought to end."
hat's an arguable position, but his selective attention to the issue is almost laughable. Can he really believe that the abuse and misuse of science is something that only liberals engage in? I suppose that the diagnosis-by-videotape of Terri Schiavo was sound science. Or perhaps the denial of evolution. Or the argument that homosexuality is just an (immoral) lifestyle choice. Or the assertion that abstinence-only sex education really reduces sexual activity and is an effective HIV prevention.
The list goes on, but suffice it to say that when it comes to the politicization of science, conservatives certainly have their share of egregious and embarrassing, not to mention dangerous, abuses to cop to.
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The [Supreme Court] Justices raise the likelihood that with this [PBA ban] ruling, the fetus faces greater brutality. On page 30, the Justices note the objection "that the standard D&E is in some respects as brutal, if not more, than the intact D&E [PBA]." That is, standard late-term D&E abortion appears to be more cruel than PBA….. [N]ow these kids will suffer more horrifically with this ruling than before, as we congratulate ourselves.
However, the very pro-lifers making this argument oppose fetal pain legislation, so their argument is disingenuous. Stated one member of this group, Brian Rohrbaugh, president of Colorado Right to Life, in an interview: ......................................................
The pain of the partial birth abortion ban
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