The Fight Against Censorship #TeenTuesday
Contributing article by Teens Against Mandates
Bill AB2098 forbids physicians from engaging in “the spread of misinformation about Covid” and threatens to take away the medical license of any doctor who disagrees with the current vaccine program. Not only does this bill violate the hippocratic oath—every doctor’s ethical obligation to not go forth with a treatment if there is legitimate concern that it may cause their patient harm—but it disrupts the trust between doctor and patient.
Implementing this bill would strain the patient-doctor relationship such that doctors could not express their honest opinions insofar as their patients receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. All honest, truthful doctors are essentially forbidden from recommending against the vaccine, even if that’s what they see fit for that particular patient.
How might the passage of this bill affect our medical professionals and youth, alike?
A young adult looking to consult his or her doctor regarding the vaccine cannot feel comfortable in the knowledge that their doctor’s opinions are genuine. Honesty and openness is the foundation of any relationship- particularly when it comes to your health.
A young adult looking to pursue a career as a doctor of any kind, legally bound to support the vaccine, will need to be willing to compromise their values. And who trusts a doctor who is restricted by an order not to reveal their true opinions?
Personally, I have always considered a future in medicine. But I feel as though that career path has been closed off, seeing as so many universities—let alone clinical sites—require full vaccination.
Furthermore, science is constantly evolving. What we believed to be true about Covid two years ago is vastly different from what we believe today. Similarly, the text of AB2098 contains outdated statements regarding covid. For example, the long-term efficacy and safety of the vaccine has been proven multiple times to decline over time, and yet the bill represents it as highly efficacious.
Repressing what is essentially the scientific method—challenging conventional thinking and settled opinion for the sake of truth—is often always influenced by economic or political interests. We must not demonize scientists for being scientists; for refuting, debating, and questioning.
The censorship of free inquiry and free speech in AB 2098 gives license to the government to continue encroaching on our rights as people. This bill has not been designed to address the pandemic but rather to punish good doctors for practicing medicine according to their best judgment. Informed consent and honest medical advice—the foundational principle of ethical medicine—will be seriously compromised.
This bill is currently on Newsom’s desk and can be signed at any time. It is time to stand up against censorship. The most effective way to take action against this bill is by calling and emailing Newsom’s office directly. Visit the @savecalifornia instagram page for more information.
