Quackwatch

Quackwatch files at Center for Inquiry

Quackwatch is a United States-based network of individuals founded by Stephen Barrett in 1969, which aims to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct. Its primary focus is on providing public health information and debunking pseudoscientific claims in alternative medicine and supplement industries. Quackwatch has been a notable critic of homeopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and other practices it considers unscientific or backed by insufficient evidence.

History

Quackwatch was established by Stephen Barrett, a retired psychiatrist, who became concerned about the prevalence of unproven medical treatments and products being marketed to the public. Barrett began his campaign by distributing information about health frauds to friends and colleagues, which eventually led to the creation of the Quackwatch website in 1996. The site has since grown into a network of websites covering various aspects of healthcare and consumer protection, including specific sites for dentistry, mental health, nutrition, and multi-level marketing schemes related to health products.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Quackwatch is to improve the quality of healthcare by promoting informed consumer choices and advocating for evidence-based medicine. It seeks to expose health-related frauds, myths, and fallacies by providing detailed critiques of various therapies, products, and practices. Quackwatch also offers advice on how to report health fraud and provides resources for consumers to verify health claims.

Quackwatch's activities include:

• Publishing articles and reports on health-related frauds and myths.
• Providing resources for consumers to investigate health claims.
• Offering guidance on how to report fraudulent health products and practices.
• Collaborating with other organizations and agencies to promote public health and consumer protection.

Reception

Quackwatch has received both praise and criticism for its work. Supporters commend the site for its commitment to evidence-based medicine and its role in educating the public about health scams and misinformation. However, proponents of alternative medicine and some of the practices Quackwatch criticizes have accused it of bias and of being overly dismissive of non-traditional forms of healing.

Legal Challenges

Over the years, Quackwatch and its founder, Stephen Barrett, have faced several legal challenges from individuals and organizations disputing its critiques. Barrett has generally been successful in defending these cases, arguing that his critiques are protected under freedom of speech and are based on scientific evidence.

Impact

Quackwatch has had a significant impact on public health awareness and policy. Its work has contributed to regulatory actions against misleading health products and practices, and it has served as a resource for journalists, researchers, and policymakers interested in consumer health protection.

See Also

• Evidence-based medicine
• Consumer protection
• Health fraud
• Alternative medicine