New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out With Science (NZDSOS) - Bias and Credibility

CONSPIRACY-PSEUDOSCIENCE

Sources in the Conspiracy-Pseudoscience category may publish unverifiable information that is not always supported by evidence. These sources may be untrustworthy for credible/verifiable information; therefore, fact-checking and further investigation are recommended on a per-article basis when obtaining information from these sources. See all Conspiracy-Pseudoscience sources.

Overall, we rate NZDSOS as a right-biased conspiracy-pseudoscience site based on its consistent opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and promotion of unproven alternative treatments. We also rate them low for factual reporting due to reliance on anecdotal evidence, non-peer-reviewed sources, association with other conspiracy-pseudoscience websites, and a lack of transparency regarding ownership.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT CONSPIRACY-PSEUDOSCIENCE
Factual Reporting: LOW
Country: New Zealand
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY

History

New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out With Science describes itself as a group of medical professionals advocating for ethical medical practices, informed consent, and public health policies that respect individual autonomy. They are critical of COVID-19 vaccines and mandates, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments and transparency in medical decision-making. They aim to provide evidence-based information and challenge mainstream medical and governmental approaches to the pandemic.

NZDSOS is based in New Zealand. It is important not to confuse this organization with the Daily Telegraph, using the same abbreviation. The NZDSOS steering committee includes Dr. Alison Goodwin, Dr. Anne O’Reilly, Dr. Cindy de Villiers, Dr. Matt Shelton, Dr. Jacques Imbeau, and Dr. Mark Pinkerton.

Read our profile on New Zealand’s media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

The organization’s website does not specify a detailed financial structure or ownership information. NZDSOS is funded through donations. Additionally, it may generate revenue through associated services like the NZDSOS Clinic/ Health Help Line Clinic, which provides advice, support, and access to prescription medications. This clinic offers bookable appointments, potentially contributing to its funding.

Analysis / Bias

NZDSOS exhibits a right-leaning bias, primarily opposing COVID-19 vaccines and mandates. The organization frequently critiques vaccine safety and efficacy and promotes alternative treatments, aligning with broader right-leaning skepticism about government and pharmaceutical interventions. For example, the article “NZDSOS Letter to Speciality Medical Colleges Regarding New Clinical Phenomenon” misrepresents scientific consensus through selective citation and framing of references. It relies on anecdotal evidence and non-peer-reviewed sources, such as interviews with embalmers and preliminary observations by physicians, lacking scientific rigor.

Claims about increased mortality rates linked to vaccines are supported by cherry-picked data that do not establish causation. Additionally, the article cites sources like Children’s Health Defense and the World Council for Health, rated as conspiracy-pseudoscience websites by Media Bias/Fact Check. This framing exaggerates risks and undermines extensive scientific evidence confirming COVID-19 vaccines’ safety and efficacy.

Another article, “Practical Health Protection for C-19,” makes unsupported claims. It recommends vitamin D and Echinacea purpurea for immune support against COVID-19, overstating their effectiveness without sufficient peer-reviewed evidence. While vitamin D benefits general health, its efficacy in preventing or treating COVID-19 is not robustly proven. Echinacea purpurea is mentioned for its antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. However, the evidence supporting Echinacea purpurea for COVID-19 is not strong, and more research is needed to validate these claims. Additionally, the article suggests that natural remedies and lifestyle changes can offer substantial protection against COVID-19, downplaying the importance of vaccination and misrepresenting the scientific consensus that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes from infection.

Further, the website also promotes pseudoscience related to issues other than COVID-19. For example, they claim that fluoride added to water “causes brain damage and spectrum disorders.” This false claim is made without providing evidence.

Finally, site directs readers to the NZDSOS Covid Help Online Clinic for early treatment, which offers advice, support, and access to prescription medications. This clinic’s credibility is questionable due to its association with sources known for misinformation.

Failed Fact Checks

There is no record of this source being fact-checked by a third party. See above for demonstrably false claims.

Overall, we rate NZDSOS as a right-biased conspiracy-pseudoscience site based on its consistent opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and promotion of unproven alternative treatments. We also rate them low for factual reporting due to reliance on anecdotal evidence, non-peer-reviewed sources, association with other conspiracy-pseudoscience websites, and a lack of transparency regarding ownership. (M. Huitsing 06/12/2024)

Source: https://nzdsos.com/

Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check