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.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Federal Electorate
Response rates from 1.1k Australia voters.
53% Yes |
47% No |
46% Yes |
29% No |
6% Yes, this will decrease the amount of misinformation patients receive |
9% No, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus |
1% Yes, and the doctors should also lose their medical license |
6% No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient |
3% No, scientific consensus can quickly change and patients should be allowed to try unconventional ideas |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 1.1k Australia voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Trend of how important this issue is for 1.1k Australia voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@B2KWFG63 days3D
no but yes. no to debunked and nonsense advice, but yes for proven traditional health advice.
@B2DVYCF2wks2W
Where doctors give advice that contradicts consensus, they should inform the patient of the contradiction, explain the discrepancy, support their advice with evidence and be accountable if the patient follows it.
@B24STGS1mo1MO
Yes, and subject them to a review of their medical license if this behavior is repeated.
@B22G8ZN2mos2MO
No, only if it’s deliberate misinformation and harms the patient.
@9ZTPDVM2mos2MO
No, but they should be reviewed if they are fit to hold a license if they make such statements.
@9SDR7BF5mos5MO
Yes, only if this was intentional and to promote an idea and not a mistake or miscommunication
@9VRQ9L6 4mos4MO
Contemporary medicine isn’t always the best treatment for some patients. There are scientific breakthroughs every so often
@9N679WG8mos8MO
It depends on the advice given, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus
Join in on the most popular conversations.
