The hottest Medical Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

On Big Pharma's demolition of Dr. Vinay Prasad, one of the most honest people in medicine

Unreported Truths • 47 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Vinay Prasad was a strong advocate for the safety and efficacy of new drugs. He tried to set high standards at the FDA but was pushed out quickly because he challenged Big Pharma interests.
  2. Pharmaceutical companies often get approvals for drugs that have not proven to be effective for patients. This can put patients at risk, especially when treatments are very expensive and potentially harmful.
  3. The FDA needs to maintain strict standards to protect patients from unsafe drugs. If companies can't prove their drugs work, they shouldn't profit from them until there's real evidence of benefit.

What the Florida "Anti-LGBT" Laws Actually Do

Handwaving Freakoutery • 622 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The Florida laws have minimal impact on adults and gay men/lesbians, focusing more on transgender minors and gender-segregated spaces.
  2. Media portrayal of these laws as 'anti-LGBT' lacks accuracy and may lead to misconceptions.
  3. Public opinion on the measures outlined in the laws shows varying levels of support, indicating a disconnect between media perceptions and public views.

Duke health's 2025 policy would ban an 11 year old kid from visiting his sick or dying father

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 141 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Duke's new visitor policy can stop an 11-year-old from seeing a sick parent, which seems unfair. It's strange to think an age difference of just one year can change something so serious.
  2. The rules made by Duke don't seem to be based on solid evidence, making them feel illogical and hard to understand. A 13-year-old can visit, but not an 11-year-old, which doesn't make sense.
  3. There's a concern that this policy will cause emotional pain for families who can't visit their sick loved ones. Many believe hospitals should have better, data-driven policies to prevent such situations.

Why Have Vaccines Become a Religion?

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Vaccines are often treated like a religion, with strong beliefs and emotional ties. People can be very resistant to discussions about their potential dangers, similar to how some people react to questioning religious beliefs.
  2. Medicine and vaccines have become part of a modern belief system where faith in them is prioritized over individual evidence and experiences. This leads to situations where dissenting voices can face backlash.
  3. There is significant concern about the lack of transparency in vaccine safety studies, often using flawed methods that prevent clear conclusions about their risks. Critics argue that this indicates a need for more honest discussions about vaccine safety.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 212: Dr. Larry Palevsky, MD.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The American Academy of Pediatrics has publicly rejected recent CDC changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, signaling a split in national pediatric guidance.
  2. Several states are now opposing federal vaccine guidance and effectively ‘going rogue,’ which creates confusion for parents and doctors and undermines trust and accountability.
  3. Dr. Larry Palevsky, a pediatrician known for a holistic, systems-based approach, argues mainstream pediatric guidance can miss long-term health outcomes and stresses the importance of informed consent.
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Red Dye #3 is out, and boosters may get RCTs: Why is the evidence to remove a chemical from food LESS THAN the evidence to recommend a medical interventions?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The FDA is banning Red Dye #3 because it could be harmful, but there's a higher standard for proving medical products effective before they're recommended. We should be careful about both but have different rules for food and medicine.
  2. Medical treatments often come with costs and potential side effects, so it's important to run proper studies before suggesting them to healthy people. When making decisions about interventions, we should prioritize safety and benefit.
  3. There's a real difference in how we treat food additives versus medical products. While we question the safety of new medicine, we should also question adding unnecessary chemicals to our food.

The Era Of Rubber Stamping Pfizer, Moderna COVID Vaccines Is Over

Unmasked • 46 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The U.S. is moving away from old COVID vaccine policies that weren't based on solid information. This change comes as new leaders are appointed in health agencies.
  2. Many people felt pressured into getting vaccines that may have caused more harm than good, especially children who were at low risk from COVID.
  3. Current health leaders are now questioning the automatic approval of vaccines from big companies like Pfizer and Moderna, which could lead to safer and more thoughtful health decisions.

ACIP votes 8 to 3 to end the universal recommendation for giving Hep B shots at birth to babies of mothers who test negative

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The ACIP voted 8 to 3 to stop the universal recommendation for Hep B shots at birth for babies born to mothers who test negative. This is seen as a positive step by many.
  2. There are concerns about safety data showing that the Hep B vaccine might have serious side effects, with some arguing it could be harmful to babies.
  3. Not everyone agrees with the decision; three members of ACIP voted against it, which raises questions about their stance on vaccine safety.

Turns out even more of you are doctors (and nurses) than I expected

Unreported Truths • 43 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Many readers identify as healthcare professionals, with a significant portion being doctors and nurses. It's great to see so many engaged in the conversation about medical issues.
  2. There are concerns about the medical field focusing too much on procedures rather than promoting healthier lifestyles. This prioritization may be driven by financial considerations.
  3. Some healthcare professionals express distrust towards the research system and the influence of pharmaceutical companies. They feel that conflicts of interest may impact patient care and safety.

No active ingredients whatsoever

Internal exile • 46 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Placebos work because of belief and social interactions, not just the medicine itself. This shows that the setting and care from doctors can be as important as the actual treatments.
  2. People can still feel the effects of placebos even when they know they’re fake. This suggests that our expectations and the way we think about treatment can influence our experience of pain and illness.
  3. The rise of AI in healthcare may change how we think about treatment. Just like placebos, the way we perceive AI support can create real feelings and experiences, but it also risks losing the human connection that aids in healing.

Now it can be told: the truth about the Covid jabs is slowly coming out

Unreported Truths • 136 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Some independent journalists are questioning the effectiveness of Covid mRNA vaccines. They believe these shots did not perform as promised.
  2. There are concerns about potential side effects and the impact of these vaccines on the immune system. People worry about the long-term consequences.
  3. Many mainstream media outlets are not discussing these issues, leaving it to a few independent voices to bring attention to the truths about the Covid vaccines.

URGENT: Yale researchers have found Covid spike protein in the blood of people never infected with Covid - years after they got mRNA jabs

Unreported Truths • 115 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Yale researchers found Covid spike proteins in the blood of some people who got mRNA vaccines, even if they never had Covid. This is surprising because these proteins usually don't stay in the body long after vaccination.
  2. The presence of these spike proteins suggests that the genetic material from the vaccines might be causing cells to keep making them. This raises questions about the long-term safety of mRNA vaccines.
  3. The researchers need to confirm their findings and plan to publish their study soon. They aim to share more information so other scientists can verify these results.

Vaccines are like drugs: Some are safe, some are effective, and some have benefits > harms, but not all

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 135 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Vaccines, like drugs, can vary in safety and effectiveness. Some work well for certain people but not for others.
  2. It's important to measure how well vaccines work, not just for virus-related issues but for overall health.
  3. We need better monitoring and data sharing after vaccines are given, along with the ability to hold manufacturers accountable if something goes wrong.

Current Pfizer Board Member and Former Trump Appointed FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Injecting Freedom • 116 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb made claims about vaccines that were proven to be false. It's important to double-check facts, especially when discussing health topics.
  2. Gottlieb's connection to Pfizer raises questions about conflicts of interest when he criticizes others in the vaccine debate. It shows that personal interests can affect public statements.
  3. There is a call for more open discussions about vaccines and health issues. Honest debates can help clarify misunderstandings and improve public knowledge.

Former CDC Director Robert Redfield has called for the mRNA shots to be pulled. He'll be on VSRF live tomorrow to talk about it.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Former CDC Director Robert Redfield is publicly calling for COVID mRNA vaccines to be pulled.
  2. He claims the CDC knew about vaccine harms very early and has written a book outlining his concerns.
  3. He will discuss these claims and his book live on VSRF this Thursday at 7pm Eastern.

Synformation: Epistemic Capture meets AI

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. There's a new trend where fake or manipulated information is being seen as normal, especially through advanced AI technology. This can distort our understanding of reality.
  2. Many aspects of health knowledge, especially related to vaccines, are heavily influenced by big pharmaceutical companies. This means that the way we understand health decisions might be biased or not fully trustworthy.
  3. With the rise of AI, it's becoming easier for fake research and information to spread quickly. This creates a risk that our sources of knowledge could become less reliable in the future.

ChatGPT just confirmed: All of the fully vaxxed/unvaxxed studies show vaccines cause autism

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. There are studies comparing autism rates in vaccinated and unvaccinated kids, but some argue these studies have flaws. Critics say they lack reliable data or use biased methods.
  2. A researcher mentioned that the majority of large studies show no link between vaccines and autism. This is a point of disagreement among many people.
  3. If a child suddenly develops autism, there is a survey available for parents. It's a quick way for them to share their experiences with autism onset.

Does RFK Jr have a guiding philosophy or is he just spitballing?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 112 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. RFK Jr. has a distinct philosophy focused on skepticism towards corporations and promoting body autonomy. He is against vaccine mandates and supports personal choice in health decisions.
  2. Vivek Ramaswamy believes in reducing FDA regulations to make it easier for drug companies to operate, but he emphasizes the need for safety studies without enforcing unrealistic efficacy requirements.
  3. The current FDA leaders, like Scott Gottlieb and Bob Califf, prioritize corporate interests and maintain high drug prices. Many feel they don't push for the best evidence and often end up working for pharmaceutical companies after leaving government.

Assisted Suicide

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Assisted suicide is a complex and emotional topic that many people face, especially those with terminal illnesses. It raises important questions about how we support those in suffering.
  2. In some places, like Canada, the approach to physician-assisted suicide is becoming more common and complicated. This shift impacts many lives and decisions.
  3. Personal experiences with assisted suicide can be profound and challenging. Sharing these stories helps us understand the real-life implications of this practice.

A poll: how many of you are physicians or other medical professionals? (And WHY do you read Unreported Truths?)

Unreported Truths • 28 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Many doctors are unhappy with the healthcare system and feel its problems are not being addressed. They are looking for honest discussions about these issues.
  2. There is a growing disconnect between medical professionals and the institutions they work for. Many feel alienated and unrepresented by established organizations.
  3. The newsletter is gaining traction among medical professionals who feel their views are not considered by major medical journals. They appreciate getting a platform to share their concerns.

upticks in cancer

bad cattitude • 212 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Ethics
  1. There are upticks in cancer cases among young people globally.
  2. The study mentioned in the article only goes up to 2019, excluding data from the COVID era.
  3. There are concerns about the impact of mRNA vaccines on cancer rates and overall health.

The Apex Predator Of Captured Science: Dr Robert Malone

Who is Robert Malone • 33 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Robert Malone is seen as a threat to the established powers because he has in-depth knowledge of the medical and political systems, which makes him a strong opponent against misinformation.
  2. The media's response to Malone suggests they feel threatened by him, as they use tactics like character attacks instead of focusing on his credentials and contributions to science.
  3. It's important to critically evaluate information and media narratives, especially when there's a coordinated attack on someone, as this often signals that they pose a real challenge to the status quo.

Happy Thanksgiving! And let's all give thanks that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is about to run the National Institutes of Health

Unreported Truths • 85 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is set to lead the National Institutes of Health, and he is known for being a scientist who values debate and open discussion.
  2. His early research on Covid suggested that the infection rate was higher than reported, which led to questioning the strict lockdown measures that were put in place.
  3. Hopefully, Bhattacharya's leadership will foster a culture of openness in scientific inquiry, allowing for diverse perspectives and research to be explored.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, Redux—WPATH Edition

Skeptic • 149 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The text discusses various historical instances of mass delusions and societal crazes, pointing out the trend of people collectively falling for false beliefs and slowly recovering from them.
  2. The article highlights the rise of the trans movement and issues like Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria, shedding light on concerns about medical ethics, pseudoscientific practices, and potential harm to vulnerable individuals.
  3. There is a critique of WPATH's approach to transgender healthcare, questioning the lack of evidence-based practices, informed consent, and the push for invasive treatments without appropriate consideration for the patients' well-being.

vaccine pay for play

bad cattitude • 281 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Government paying insurers to push products is not evidence-based medicine.
  2. Doctors receiving payments per prescription can lead to conflicts of interest.
  3. Misalignment of incentives between doctors and payments can compromise patient care.

Pfizer's Delayed Myocarditis Study

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Pfizer's study on myocarditis in kids is facing challenges with enrollment, making it hard to gather enough participants. This means the study could take longer to finish than expected.
  2. The lengthy five-year follow-up in the study is needed to thoroughly check for any long-term health effects. This is important for understanding the consequences of myocarditis better.
  3. There's no solid evidence that Pfizer is hiding data or being unethical; the delays seem to be due to the difficulty of conducting a rigorous study.

The rot in medicine and public health is growing worse and worse

Unreported Truths • 64 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Many people don't realize that, for most, Covid causes no long-term heart issues. It's important to spread good news instead of only focusing on fear.
  2. Despite spending a lot on healthcare, life expectancy in the U.S. hasn't improved in the last 20 years. We need to rethink how effective our health strategies really are.
  3. Public health experts often exaggerate the problems they can solve, leading to distrust among people. Honesty about what can be achieved is crucial for rebuilding that trust.

The single most convincing COVID vaccine harm signal to date

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Every time a new dose of the COVID vaccine was given, mortality rates increased in vaccinated individuals. This suggests a strong link between the vaccine and harm.
  2. Data from Koganei, Japan, shows that unvaccinated people had stable mortality rates, while those who received the vaccine showed increased death rates. This is seen as clear evidence of vaccine harm.
  3. Despite the evidence, many in the medical community may be hesitant to acknowledge these findings due to job security and fear of losing their licenses.

Over 300 pages of evidence from the CDC show that vaccines cause autism

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 46 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. There are claims that new evidence suggests vaccines might be linked to autism. Some people believe these documents show that public health agencies have not been honest.
  2. Certain doctors report seeing more cases of rapid onset autism after vaccinations in their patients. They find it hard to explain why this happens if vaccines are safe.
  3. Some studies show that unvaccinated children have lower rates of autism compared to vaccinated kids. This is surprising and raises questions about the reasons behind autism.

Behind the Curtain of the New CDC Panel on Vaccines

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The new CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been completely restructured with new members, who are experienced in vaccine development. This change aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to vaccine policies.
  2. There has been intense criticism of the new committee's decisions, indicating that no group involved was fully satisfied with the outcomes. This highlights how complex and contentious vaccine discussions can be.
  3. The upcoming interviews and discussions aim to clarify the committee’s decisions and show that they are dedicated to transparency and public health, rather than just following corporate interests.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. There is a free lecture in San Diego about reading trials. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to understand trial results.
  2. The lecture is unique because it is not funded by pharmaceutical companies. This might give a more unbiased view on the information being discussed.
  3. Attending this lecture could help people become more knowledgeable about medical studies. It's a chance to ask questions and get clarity on trial data.

Try This at Home: The World's Simplest Germ Killer

OK Doomer • 24 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural germ killer that our bodies already produce to fight germs. It's similar to bleach but safe for use.
  2. There is a growing movement against vaccines in some states, with groups pushing for bans. This comes at a critical time for vaccine development.
  3. Using safe, effective germ-killing methods at home can be important, especially in light of public health concerns and vaccine hesitancy.

The Moral Burden of Choice

Tom Thought • 19 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Ethics
  1. In challenging situations, the burden of choice can impact individuals differently, affecting their sense of peace and satisfaction.
  2. High prices for advanced treatments and drugs can create moral dilemmas, raising questions about access, affordability, and benefits.
  3. The modern world's complexity can lead to individuals feeling overwhelmed by the need to constantly make decisions, potentially impacting their sense of responsibility and well-being.

American Academy of Pediatrics tacitly admits that vaccines don't work!

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. If vaccines are effective, vaccinated kids shouldn't need protection from unvaccinated ones. The idea that they do raises questions about the vaccines' effectiveness.
  2. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports universal vaccination but emphasizes medical exemptions for those who genuinely cannot be vaccinated. However, getting these exemptions can be very difficult.
  3. The AAP's policy lacks clear evidence linking unvaccinated children to significant risks for others, and their recommendations seem driven by institutional interests rather than transparent science.

The Lost Lesson of Tuskegee (guest post)

Viruses Must Die • 26 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. Many people misunderstand the Tuskegee Study. They think the men were injected with syphilis, but the real issue was that they were denied treatment even when it became available.
  2. Withholding medical care is a huge problem in today’s healthcare system. It happens not just in historical cases like Tuskegee but also in modern practices where insurance companies delay or deny necessary treatments.
  3. The lessons from the Tuskegee Study are still relevant today. We need to acknowledge and address the issues of informed consent and access to healthcare to build trust in medical research.

We Learned The Hard Way

Euro Desk Paris • 39 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Ethics
  1. The pandemic response highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and the impact of governmental decisions on society.
  2. The debate over lockdowns and restrictions raised concerns about mental health and the economic consequences of such measures.
  3. There was criticism of the authoritarian approach taken by some governments, and a call for more transparency, accountability, and public involvement in decision-making.

RFK Jr. And The Samoan Measles Outbreak

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics
  1. The Samoan measles outbreak of 2019 is often blamed on low vaccination rates, but evidence suggests other factors may have contributed to the high death toll.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised important questions about the outbreak, which were ignored by many critics who painted him as an anti-vaxxer.
  3. Detailed investigations into vaccine safety and efficacy are necessary to prevent future public health crises and ensure transparent healthcare practices.