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.
63% Yes |
37% No |
53% Yes |
23% No |
6% Yes, and the doctors should also lose their medical license |
11% No, but the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus |
4% Yes, this will decrease the amount of misinformation patients receive |
4% No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient |
0% 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 189 Sweden voters.
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See how importance of “Medical Consensus” has changed over time for 189 Sweden voters.
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