The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists advocates strongly for the right of our medical colleagues to speak without fear or favour on topics of medical importance. We stand up for colleagues who, in good faith, offer comments and debate about controversial practices, especially when there is a risk of harm to patients.
We remind the Medical Board of Australia that respectful professional discourse by doctors should be encouraged on matters of significant clinical and ethical importance. Any regulatory action, such as censure, restriction, or cancellation of the registration of doctors in these circumstances, may give rise to concern that the Board is limiting the capacity of doctors to express their freedom of speech views.
