Healthy Skepticism Library item: 16200

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Kmietowicz Z.
Science writer is refused permission to appeal against libel ruling over comments on chiropractors.
BMJ 2009 Aug 5; 339:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/339/aug05_1/b3166

Abstract:

The science broadcaster and writer Simon Singh has been refused permission to appeal against a ruling in the libel case brought against him by the British Chiropractic Association. His case has aroused the anger of many in the science community, who describe the libel laws as encouraging the law courts to silence critics.

The ruling, made in May by Mr Justice Eady, said that an article by Dr Singh for the Guardian newspaper, published on 19 April 2008, was defamatory and alleged that the association was happy to promote bogus treatments (BMJ 2009;338:b2127, 26 May, doi:10.1136/bmj.b2127).

In the article (which has been removed from the Guardian’s website) Dr Singh criticised the British Chiropractic Association for claiming that its members could use spinal manipulation to treat children with colic, ear infections, asthma, sleeping and feeding conditions, and prolonged crying. He described the treatments as “bogus,” saying that . . .