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.
46% Yes |
54% No |
40% Yes |
31% No |
5% Yes, this will decrease the amount of misinformation patients receive |
13% 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 |
8% No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient |
2% 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 23.6k UK voters.
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See how importance of “Medical Consensus” has changed over time for 23.6k UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9QQMJNR3wks3W
if you are going into the medical industry, you should fully belive that what you give out to patients works, if you have any doubts then you shouldn’t be in that industry
@9QD8ZFR3wks3W
Yes, only if the advice can be proven harmful or if it has not been explicitly stated to the patient that this advice is contrary to scientific consensus.
@9Q83PJ83wks3W
No, but the doctor must be required to disclose that it contradicts contemporary consensus, and be liable if it contributes to further harm
@9Q4DQ3F 4wks4W
advice differing from scientific consensus should be passed through peer review as to remove ridiculous ideas.
@9PT49RH1mo1MO
We need to sort out contemporary science consensus and make sure it's correct. Dr Fauci said he made up a lot of COVID restrictions
@9PRC3G61mo1MO
This depends on the effectiveness of the advice, if that results in an injury or death of the patient they should be suspended.
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