A partisan assault on science: the threat to the CDC

Article Abstract:

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), should not be eliminated by Congressional budget cuts. This threat to the NCIPC may be the result of the gun lobby. Formed in 1992, the NCIPC conducts and coordinates research and control of injuries. Such scientific research has shown that firearms are a threat to public health. The National Rifle Association, the Heritage Foundation, and the Doctors for Integrity in Research and Public Policy, who oppose gun control, have all attacked the NCIPC. These organizations claim that the NCIPC produces redundant and politically influenced research. Some of these claims have been refuted by other federal offices. The NCIPC plays a crucial part in promoting public health. As elected officials are influenced by special interest groups, such as the gun lobby, health promoting research is being threatened.

Research, Finance, Political aspects, Wounds and injuries, Injuries, Epidemiological research, Cross sectional studies, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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The frustrations of scientific misconduct

Article Abstract:

Rep John Dingell addressed the Massachusetts Medical Society on the topic of misconduct in medical research in May 1992. Dingell heads a congressional committee that investigates scientific misconduct. In one of these cases, the scientist involved was not prosecuted. The accused in another case, Robert Gallo, was held responsible for only a handful of minor violations. These and similar cases have damaged the reputations of scientists in the eyes of the public. Scientific research has become a large-scale competitive enterprise and scientists are sometimes motivated more by financial gain than the search for truth. Institutions and agencies must state clearly what misconduct is and investigate allegations thoroughly and fairly. More effort needs to be focused on preventing scientific misconduct. This may be done by instilling the values of honesty and integrity in future scientists.

Ethical aspects, Medical research, Fraud in science, Science fraud

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Practicing medicine without a license - the new intrusions by Congress

Article Abstract:

Congress should not pass laws mandating or forbidding specific medical treatments and procedures. Congress passed laws mandating 48-hour stays for new mothers, recommending mammography for women in their 40's and outlawing partial-birth abortions. Although the Food and Drug Administration passes regulations covering drugs, it does so only after expert evaluation of the scientific evidence on their efficacy. Congresspersons, on the other hand, may react to the emotional needs of their constituents. Most legislators do not have the expertise to evaluate medical research.

Medicine, Laws, regulations and rules, Powers and duties, United States. Congress

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