Be it a matter of stem cell research or the morning-after pill, the United States seems to be leading the charge right back to the Dark Ages. Our public policy debates are increasingly characterized by a fear of medical science and technology that is downright retrograde and superstitious.

The U.S.' insistence on prioritizing sexual morality over human suffering – to the point of preventing our own scientists from attending the [International AIDS] conference – left us isolated. Even Britain made a point of publicly distancing itself from our policies, as if American phobias about the body are themselves a communicable disease which any self-respecting modern country – even a loyal military ally – should protect itself from.

| ¶ 12:25 p.m.