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.
49% Yes |
51% No |
40% Yes |
26% No |
7% 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 |
2% Yes, and the doctors should also lose their medical license |
9% 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 7.7k UK voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
See how importance of “Medical Consensus” has changed over time for 7.7k UK voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9LQKWWG3 days3D
No, only when the advice is proven to harm the patient, and doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus and this should be recorded within medical records
@9LPL9DN4 days4D
This depends, if the doctor offers a different way than just paying and taking pills, then no, if the doctor says that being obese is okay/healthy or encouraged, they should lose their position, and their medical license
@9CZPTF89mos9MO
I think that’s fine as long as the patients who have the requisite mental capacity are given advice on both scientific stance and alternative options they can make their own informed decision
@9CP2FCQ10mos10MO
Neutral, depends on circumstances but also science can change and sub unconventional or generally different approaches should not be discarded or disapproved/sneered at, either way things should be done appropriately and safeguarded, and more should be done to protect and prevent people/things, as much as possible, but even treatments etc are not always one size fits all and not all data is rigid or right.
@99M4YNF1yr1Y
Explore other topics that are important to UK voters.
