Décision et controverses

Abstract

Although it is a good thing for questions to be asked about the cost of healthcare, medical liability, the performance and quality of services, and public participation in the healthcare system, certain rules must still be complied with. Without ethics, there is a real danger that unnecessary public health risks will be created, especially for the most vulnerable populations. Recent standpoints and debates on influenza A (H1N1) are a clear illustration of this dilemma, as is the halting of the rubella and measles vaccination campaign in Ukraine because of pressure from commercial and political lobbying, which has further delayed the eradication of these two diseases. The drop in the number of routine vaccinations, because of doubts raised in peoples' minds about vaccines in general, is another significant side effect of the controversy. So it is essential that those who speak with authority on such sensitive issues do so ethically and in good faith, preserving the public's right to true and honest information. Copyright 2010 Presses de Sciences Po. All rights reserved.