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.
39% Yes |
61% No |
32% Yes |
40% 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 |
2% Yes, and the doctors should also lose their medical license |
7% No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient |
5% 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 17.6k America voters.
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See how importance of “Medical Consensus” has changed over time for 17.6k America voters.
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Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9BJF3B41yr1Y
Yes, but only when the advice was proven to harm the patient
@9GX62WV9mos9MO
No, only if the advice was proven to harm the patient. Doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts scientific consensus.
@9BP88YF1yr1Y
No, only when the advice was proven to harm the patient and the doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus.
@9H5VH628mos8MO
No, only if the advice was proven to harm the patient, but doctors should be required to disclose that their advice contradicts scientific consensus
@9FF9SFF10mos10MO
No, but doctors should be required to disclose that the advice contradicts contemporary scientific consensus, this must also be proven not to harm the patient
@9GFPK3Z9mos9MO
Yes, but only when the advice was proven to harm the patient, scientific consensus can change and patients should be allowed to try unconventional ideas
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