Abstract

In Fact..

This section presents brief commentary pieces. On February 2 the FDA heard testimony on whether the Prozac class of antidepressants known as SSRIs put under-18s at risk for suicide. As reported here by Richard DeGrandpre ("Trouble in Prozac Nation," January 5), British regulators have all but banned the pediatric use of these drugs. The FDA has, however, put off any further action until a study is completed this summer. Much as we deplore censorship of advocacy ads on TV, CBS's decision to take off the air a supposedly informational TV spot sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services promoting the new Medicare prescription-drug benefit is laced with ironies. Executive vice president Martin Franks said CBS had "concerns" that the ad "violated our advocacy policy" and "standards . . . about accuracy." Adding to the "concerns" is the fact that the General Accounting Office is investigating the $9.5 million HHS pro-drug law spots at the behest of Democratic lawmakers, who complain they constitute Bush campaign propaganda. Last year we reported that the New York City Council postponed voting on a resolution denouncing the USA Patriot Act. But in February the council finally passed the resolution, which makes New York City the 256th "civil liberties safe zone."