Yesterday, former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona spoke before a congressional committee and spilled the truth about the Bush administration's political influence on the surgeon general's office. Dr. Carmona said that the Bush administration would not allow the surgeon general to speak or issue reports about stem cells, emergency contraception, sex education, and global health issues. And according to the Washington Post, Carmona said he was ordered to mention President Bush three times on every page of his speeches — because clearly it's more important to mention the president's name than it is to mention programs that could prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS around the world.
The surgeon general is considered "the nation's top doctor." This means it is his or her mission to serve "as America's chief health educator by providing Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health." The administration's actions directly contradict the mission of the surgeon general's office. Stem cell research, access to emergency contraception, comprehensive sex education, and global health issues are critical to improving the health of Americans. And there's sound science to back that up.
As outrageous as this is, I can honestly say it comes as no surprise. Time and time again, President Bush has put politics ahead of health (remember Eric Keroack, anyone?). And he may be at it again. Tomorrow, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hear testimony from Dr. James Holsinger, President Bush’s new pick for surgeon general. Holsinger will have some tough questions to answer. He has not clearly articulated his commitment to protecting women’s health and safety, and he has publicly displayed prejudice against lesbians and gay men. Holsinger should be confirmed only if he can show he will stand up for science over ideology, ensure that all men and women have the information and tools they need to plan their families, and support teens’ access to the comprehensive sex education they need to make healthy decisions.
It is the surgeon general's responsibility to promote a commonsense health care agenda, not to promote President Bush.