The British Chiropractic Association undoubtedly thought that Singh would immediately back down. Many modern countries, including the UK, have unclear libel laws that can prevent individuals from publishing facts as well as opinions. Singh, however, refused to give up the fight. Instead, he committed himself to a fight that lasted two years and cost him about $200,000.
Singh has written several popular books on science and history. He says that he wanted to face the charges head on because he knew that giving in would discredit everything he had written in the past. Admitting to libel is obviously a bad career move for a journalist.
Despite ruling in Singh’s favor, there does not seem to be any effort to push the fight further by charging members of the British Chiropractic Association for false advertising. A serious question surrounds legal arguments in the UK, United States, and other countries where so-called alternative medicines frequently buck heads with traditional medicine.
False claims made by medical professionals can lead to serious consequences. Even though there is no evidence that children with asthma can benefit from chiropractic treatments, many practitioners continue to insist that their services do help. Such a statement, according to Singh’s perspective, is more than misleading. It is dangerous.
When health care providers are allowed to make unfounded statements, everyone is at risk. Such statements also stunt medical science by blurring lines and confusing people. If average people do not know how to differentiate between real science and quackery, then they could agree to treatments that will put them in harm’s way.
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