Some kind of milepost has been passed in the realm of political correctness, whereby one of the most powerful forces of nature — the natural human response to newborn babies — has been declared off—limits by a British hospital. That's right: no cooing at newborns.

I swear that I am not making this up. Even though it is a BBC report, I am inclined to grant it credibility. If anything certain segments of British society are even more politically correct than their American counterparts:

A West Yorkshire hospital has banned visitors from cooing at new—born babies over fears their human rights are being breached and to reduce infection.

A statement from Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax said staff had held an advice session to highlight the need for respect and dignity for patients.

On one ward there is a doll featuring the message: "What makes you think I want to be looked at?"

What is next? No salivating when catching a whiff of fresh—baked bread?

Hat tip: Allen

Thomas Lifson   9 27 05