Here are two quick things you can do to fight the popularity of two different forms of non-scientific "medical treatment."
In the US, it's hardly news that the government is looking into universal health care. And while this enormous issue is beyond the scope of things that we cover in Swift, there is something you should be aware of. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch.org sent us this:
Reported versions of the House and Senate health reform bills contain language that would mandate coverage of services (prayer) by Christian Science practitioners.
To locate the House bill, go to:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:
Pick the "reported version and search the page for Sec. 125. H.R.3200
America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 (Reported in House)
SEC. 125. PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION IN HEALTH CARE SERVICES BASED ON RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL CONTENT.
Neither the Commissioner nor any health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage through the Exchange shall discriminate in approving or covering a health care service on the basis of its religious or spiritual content if expenditures for such a health care service are allowable as a deduction under 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on January 1, 2009
To locate the Senate bill, go to:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1679: and search the page for Section 3103(a)(1)(d)
S. 1679 3103(a)(1)(D). PROGRAM DESIGN
The essential benefits provided for in subparagraph (A) shall include a requirement that there be non-discrimination in health care in a manner that, with respect to an individual who is eligible for medical or surgical care under a qualified health plan offered through a Gateway, prohibits the Administrator of the Gateway, or a qualified health plan offered through the Gateway, from denying such individual benefits for religious or spiritual health care, except that such religious or spiritual health care shall be an expense eligible for deduction as a medical care expense as determined by Internal Revenue Service Rulings interpreting section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as of January 1, 2009
If you're in the US, and don't feel that the public should pay for prayer in the stead of medicine, consider contacting your local legislators. I don't know what expense there is for prayer, but given the spread of treatments like therapeutic touch in our hospitals, if they can find a way to bill for it, they will.
And in Germany, an organization called (translated) Homeopaths Without Borders is about to win 10,000 euros because of their generosity in giving out water to treat illness abroad. This is a vote-to-win situation, so you can actually make a difference by voting for the second group at this link. It's in German, but if you click on the orange button at the side, you'll cast a vote for the second place group. For more information on that case, read PZ's blog entry.