The week started on a very positive note Monday morning with President Obama signing an executive order to overturn the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. It was a great step toward “restoring scientific integrity to health care policy,” as one administration official phrased it. But it was a somewhat bittersweet for me as I remembered Christopher and Dana Reeve, who were such amazing champions for this issue and unfortunately passed away before being able to enjoy the moment. In fact, the order came only three days after the third anniversary of Dana’s death on March 6.
When he died, Christopher Reeve was scheduled to participate in the upcoming edition of Justice Talking, a talk radio show I produced before a live audience at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. His wife Dana joined us for the event. Both Christopher and Dana were very active with many progressive causes and organizations including People For the American Way.
Despite the scientific and medical communities’ optimism about the cures embryonic stem cell research might produce and significant majorities of Americans supporting this research, the reaction of the Right’s anti-choice zealots was less than jubilant. From Right Wing Watch:
“As expected, President Barack Obama overturned the Bush administration ban on using federal funds for embryonic stem cell research. Needless to say, the Religious Right is livid: FRC called it a ‘slap in the face’; Gary Bauer called it ‘a tragedy’; Operation Rescue called it ‘morally, unethical and fiscally irresponsible’; and others weighed in as well.”
But perhaps the most absurd response was the comparison of stem cell research to eugenics by Fox News’ Glenn Beck. Of course, right-wing talk show hosts crossing the line on this issue is nothing new. We can all remember Rush Limbaugh’s sick attack on stem cell research advocate Michael J. Fox and his cruel mocking of the actor’s Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Limbaugh has long been part of the Right’s misinformation campaign about this important scientific research.
The new administration’s policy is a great step towards correcting our nation’s path, not only because it’s a victory for science and the economic competitiveness and medical breakthroughs this biotechnology can yield. It also marks a much-needed departure from the Religious Right being able to shove its views down the throats of all Americans via federal policy.