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 977 Australia voters.
51% Yes |
49% No |
45% Yes |
30% No |
5% 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 |
7% 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 |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 977 Australia voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Trend of how important this issue is for 977 Australia voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@B24STGS2wks2W
Yes, and subject them to a review of their medical license if this behavior is repeated.
@B22G8ZN3wks3W
No, only if it’s deliberate misinformation and harms the patient.
@9ZTPDVM1mo1MO
No, but they should be reviewed if they are fit to hold a license if they make such statements.
@9SDR7BF4mos4MO
Yes, only if this was intentional and to promote an idea and not a mistake or miscommunication
@9VRQ9L6 3mos3MO
Contemporary medicine isn’t always the best treatment for some patients. There are scientific breakthroughs every so often
@9N679WG7mos7MO
It depends on the advice given, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus
@9HH2J8X1yr1Y
Yes but only if either the advice is egregious or the consequences of the advice were egregious.
@99TT3KW2yrs2Y
Some scientific consensus can be outdated or false so it depends
Join in on the most popular conversations.
