Outcry Over Search Word Ban on Health Site. Johns Hopkins recently made it impossible to search for the word “abortion” on their health information site, and then reversed the decision. Although I certainly agree that people need to be able to find information about abortion on a health website, I also feel bad for Johns Hopkins. They really can lose their USG funding for this.
The USG controls what you can say about abortion and family planning if you take their money. Agree or disagree with it, but that’s the way it is. The government’s policies put Hopkins in a terrible position. They have to choose what is “right” over what gets them money. That sounds like an easy decision. But it isn’t as if they were spending their government grants on strippers and hot air balloon rides. Their government funding goes towards vital research that benefits at least as many people as the information on abortion would. I wouldn’t want to have to make that decision.
Lesson: Diversify your donor base.