France Teeters on the Brink ⋆ Brownstone Institute

submitted by penelopepnortneyBecome ungovernable from brownstone.org

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[–]penelopepnortneyBecome ungovernable[S] 6 insightful - 1 fun6 insightful - 0 fun7 insightful - 1 fun -  (3 children)

On February 14, the French National Assembly passed article 223-1-2 du code pénal. Contained therein, in Article 4 of that law, Robert Kogon writes:

Article 4 introduces a new crime into the French penal code: incitation to abandon or refrain from medical treatment or to adopt a would-be treatment, if, “in the current state of medical knowledge”, doing so “clearly” may cause harm to the person or persons in question. This crime is made punishable by one year in prison and a fine of €30,000 (£26,000) or, if the “incitation” has effect, i.e. the medical advice is followed, three years in prison and a fine of €45,000 (£39,000).

Kogon notes that this must pass the French Senate to become law. Still, it is an extremely ominous piece of legislation that clearly criminalizes medical dissent.

In effect, this is an extreme gag order on physicians, other health care personnel, and indeed anyone who dares speak out against official medical orthodoxy. In terrifyingly broad wording, it criminalizes – with hard time and crippling fines – advising against the received medical wisdom, even if the advice is not followed...Put simply, this law will destroy the doctor-patient relationship.

[–]3andfro 7 insightful - 1 fun7 insightful - 0 fun8 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

It certainly calls into question the concept of "the current state of medical knowledge," when questions raised early on by reputable people were ignored, shouted down, and ridiculed and later found to be justified on many counts--"knowledge" that is available but still not widely acknowledged.

[–]CaelianPost No Toasties 5 insightful - 2 fun5 insightful - 1 fun6 insightful - 2 fun -  (1 child)

It certainly calls into question the concept of "the current state of medical knowledge"...

From an episode of Theodoric of York, Medieval Barber starring Steve Martin -- vintage SNL (04/22/78):

Unfortunately, we barbers aren’t gods. You know, medicine is not an exact science, but we are learning all the time. Why, just fifty years ago, they thought a disease like your daughter’s was caused by demonic possession or witchcraft. But nowadays we know that Isabelle is suffering from an imbalance of bodily humors, perhaps caused by a toad or a small dwarf living in her stomach.

[–]penelopepnortneyBecome ungovernable[S] 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

That's hilarious. I really miss the original SNL.