In 2022 lawmakers in the U.S. state of California passed legislation which empowered the state medical board to discipline doctors in the state who “disseminate misinformation or disinformation” that contradicts the “contemporary scientific consensus” or is “contrary to the standard of care.” Proponents of the law argue that doctors should be punished for spreading misinformation and that there is clear consensus on certain issues such as that apples contain sugar, measles is caused by a virus, and Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Opponents argue that the law limits freedom of speech and scientific “consensus” often changes within mere months.
54% Yes |
46% No |
46% Yes |
28% No |
5% Yes, this will decrease the amount of misinformation patients receive |
8% No, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus |
2% Yes, and the doctors should also lose their medical license |
6% No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient |
4% No, scientific consensus can quickly change and patients should be allowed to try unconventional ideas |
See how support for each position on “Medical Consensus” has changed over time for 1.6k Canada voters.
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See how importance of “Medical Consensus” has changed over time for 1.6k Canada voters.
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Unique answers from Canada users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9RCH3XQ4 days4D
It depends on the situation. If they can prove the health advice was unreasonable and caused harm, then yes, they should penalize those doctors. But if the advice was reasonable and did not cause harm, then the doctor should not be penalized. Particularly with rare diseases, there may not BE any scientific consensus and doctors need to be free to discuss alternative treatment options.
@9QZGVST2wks2W
Doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus, and only be penalized if the advice was proven to harm the patient.
@9QQKXVQ3wks3W
If they say something that can cause danger to the patient then they should be penalised but the overall consensus isn't always correct and if they feel that they have proper medical experience on why they think this health advice is true and actually helps the patient it shouldn't. It also depends on how big of a consensus they are going against.
@9H645858mos8MO
I am unsure as there is a lot of mix ups and constantly changing information as well as weaponisation of science to push agendas
@9G9M53L9mos9MO
yes, but only if they are penalizing the patient for not following. also if they are doing so in their own office.
@99KYW5R1yr1Y
No as long as they don’t stop patients from seeking treatment
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