Fighting Quackery: Tips for Activists stephen Barrett M.D.

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Fighting Quackery: Tips for Activists
Stephen Barrett, M.D.
Many people concerned about quackery wonder what they can do about it. The crucial first step is to overcome any negative feelings about becoming involved. So before discussing techniques, let's look at the concerns faced by would-be activists.

The Fear of Libel

Almost everyone who thinks about fighting quackery experiences some fear of being sued for libel or slander. The fact is, however, that no one who understands the law and follows commonsense rules faces any significant risk. To be libelous, a statement must be defamatory, malicious, and false, and must be published. Slander is similar but applies to oral claims and requires proof of actual damages. A defamatory statement is one that accuses someone of being dishonest, criminal, or professionally incompetent. One that is malicious is done for an improper reason, either with knowledge that the statement is false or with reckless disregard for the truth. It is possible for a statement to be false but not defamatory. In any case, truth is a complete defense against libel and slander. A published statement is one that a third party sees or hears in a letter, article, book, tape recording, or other fixed medium. It is possible to defame an individual, a small group of individuals, or an organization. But one cannot defame a large class of individuals (such as "all doctors") or an entire industry.

It is never libelous to criticize an idea. Therefore, it is safe to attack ideas or to list ideas characteristic of quackery. It is legal to mention adverse facts -- such as criminal convictions or dubious credentials -- about people who place themselves in the public spotlight by claiming to have expert knowledge. But avoid statements about motivation (such as "He's only in it for the money") because they may be impossible to prove. The appearance of malice can usually be avoided by investigating carefully and citing reliable sources of information. Also avoid name-calling. Above all, never call anyone a name (such as "quack," "crook," or "fraud") unless you are willing to defend this claim in court.

It should be apparent from the above discussion that antiquackery actions based on facts and done for legitimate reasons cannot provide the grounds for a successful libel suit. But what about suits whose purpose is intimidation? They occur, but they are rare. There is very little chance of being sued if you avoid name-calling and do not deliver your message in an insulting manner.

Alleged Trademark and Copyright Violations
Companies with names that are trademarked or service marked sometimes allege that use of their name in an article violates their mark and is illegal. I know of a few situations in which companies used this claim to demand removal of (truthful) information about them from a Web site. However, trademarks and service marks merely protect the right to use a name in commerce. They do not protect any right to prevent others from speaking or writing about the named entity. Groundless suits can subject the plaintiff to sanctions.

Other Concerns
Of course, if it makes you more comfortable, you can avoid criticizing individual people or organizations. Just criticize ideas with which you disagree, and provide the correct information. For additional safety, you can use the word "questionable" (e.g., "That idea is certainly questionable"), which is not defamatory.

Some people fear that taking a stand against quackery will embroil them in unpleasant public controversy. While that certainly can happen, many effective actions require no public exposure at all. For example, you can: (1) offer background information to a reporter with a request that you not be quoted; (2) send letters to the media marked "not for publication"; (3) complain about false advertising to appropriate agencies; (4) encourage victims of quackery to file lawsuits; (5) contact legislators and encourage others to do this, too; and (6) contribute time and/or money to an antiquackery organization. All these things can be done privately and without risk.

Lack of confidence may also interfere with taking action. Non-experts often feel that only experts can be effective. Even experts may hesitate when they aren't sure what action would be most effective. However, although expert knowledge is helpful, the number of people taking action is often more important than the nature of what they do. Moreover, many antiquackery actions require no expertise.

Fighting quackery can be very time-consuming. But keep in mind that many actions (such as reporting illegal ads) take only a few minutes.

Dealing with the Media
Much can be done to counter the spread of misinformation.

If you object to a broadcast, make your objections known by writing or phoning its producer or the station manager. Persist until you learn how those you contact feel about your request. If you encounter resistance, get as many people as you can to make similar contacts. Don't be discouraged if no immediate corrective action is taken; expressions of protest may still influence what happens in the future.
If you object to a newspaper or magazine article, write a letter to the editor and get others to do the same. If the publication is local, phone calls can also be useful because they ensure that the person you are contacting really thinks about your complaint. Contacting the writer may also help prevent future difficulty. If you have expert knowledge and would like to be interviewed or used as a consultant, make your interest known and send story ideas and pertinent background literature to reporters or editors. When accurate information is published, expressions of support will encourage more of the same.
Objections to advertising can be made to advertising managers, editors, publishers, and/or station managers. Although advertising revenue may count more than your opinion, protests are sometimes effective. If you report a misleading ad to an enforcement agency, tell your local media. Reporters who value the credibility of the press may relish an opportunity to embarrass their own advertising department by publicizing what you did.
Objections related to Web sites can be e-mailed to the site owner or webmaster. This is particularly useful if you detect a quacky link on a site whose information is basically sound.
The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus can exert pressure against misleading messages in national advertising. Its address is 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
Dealing with Character Assassination
Some quackery promoters attempt to defend against criticism by making false and defamatory accusations. The Internet affords a convenient way to do this. I have been falsely accused of being: (a) an incompetent journalist; (b) a "stooge of the pharmaceutical industry"; (c) a chronic liar; (d) responsible for many deaths; and (e) an habitual criminal who has committed both specified and unspecified offenses. When I discover such a statement, I usually ask the person making it to stop -- and most people do. If I think that the libel was spread with malicious intent, my request is accompanied by a demand for payment of damages. If that doesn't resolve matters, I usually file suit.

Reporting Illegal Activities
Suspicious activities can be reported to government agencies. Some people hesitate to do this for fear they will become embroiled in legal controversy. This fear is unfounded, however. Enforcement agencies conduct their own investigations and obtain outside experts as needed. Anyone has the right to complain to any regulatory agency. If you do, please send a copy to Quackwatch at P.O. Box 1747, Allentown, PA 18105. We may be able to investigate and write about the situation. All complaints should be typewritten.

Unscrupulous practitioners may be prosecuted by state agencies, but a lawsuit by an injured victim may be more effective. The trick is to find an attorney interested in fighting quackery who will file suit on a contingency basis. Under this arrangement, the attorney gets paid a percentage of the winnings but charges no fee if the case is lost. Several of Quackwatch's legal advisors are interest in pursuing such suits. The National Council Against Health Fraud's Task Force on Victim Redress may be able to help locate a suitable attorney.

Linking with Others
Individual efforts against quackery can be greatly multiplied when coordinated with those of others. The National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF) now has more than 1,000 members and has chapters in 13 states. Its current activities include a speaker's bureau, a media clearinghouse, consumer complaint referral services, legislative advisement, expert testimony, law enforcement assistance, research on unproven methods of health care, and seminars for professionals and the general public. The council also appoints task forces that conduct extensive investigations and issue position papers.

Other groups that give high priority to fighting quackery are the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), which deals with occult practices, and the American Council on Science and Health, which emphasizes food and chemical issues.

Remember that in matters of health there should be no tolerance for deception. Your effort in opposing quackery may save many people from being hurt -- and may even save a life!


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