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.
Response rates from 249 Sydney voters.
53% Yes |
47% No |
46% Yes |
28% No |
6% Yes, this will decrease the amount of misinformation patients receive |
8% No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient |
1% Yes, and the doctors should also lose their medical license |
6% No, scientific consensus can quickly change and patients should be allowed to try unconventional ideas |
5% No, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 249 Sydney voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 249 Sydney voters.
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Unique answers from Sydney voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@9SDR7BF3mos3MO
Yes, only if this was intentional and to promote an idea and not a mistake or miscommunication
@9VRQ9L6 2mos2MO
Contemporary medicine isn’t always the best treatment for some patients. There are scientific breakthroughs every so often
@9N679WG6mos6MO
It depends on the advice given, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus
@9HH2J8X12mos12MO
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Some scientific consensus can be outdated or false so it depends
@99M7Q8M2yrs2Y
Depends on how risky/safe the alternate procedure is.
@99M3JBL2yrs2Y
It depends on what the advice is, it should be carefully looked over and explained to the patient and let them know the facts, but allow them to choose
@99KDXB52yrs2Y
No, patients should choose what they feel is right for them based on information provided
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