Top-rating story this morning, from the Sydney Morning Herald – a major newspaper in NSW – about the AVN’s failure to comply with the HCCC.
Its investigation was sparked by two complaints, one from Toni and David McCaffery, whose four-week-old daughter Dana died from whooping cough last year.
The couple, from Lennox Head, allege they were subjected to months of harassment and abuse by Ms Dorey and anti-vaccination campaigners, accusing them of lying about the cause of their daughter’s death. They received anonymous letters and emails that said whooping cough was not fatal and vaccinations were not needed.
Mrs McCaffery, whose daughter was too young to be vaccinated when she caught whooping cough, said Ms Dorey also tried to get her baby’s medical records from the hospital without permission. ”Instead of love and healing in the weeks after Dana’s death, we got ugliness … it has been terrible,” she said.
Mrs McCaffery also complained that Ms Dorey had quoted misleading statistics, spread misinformation through seminars and the internet, and gave poor telephone advice.
News just in – The Northern Star today has a story today and they ask people to reply by sms 0428264948 or email opinions@northernstar.com.au to the question ‘should the AVN comply with the HCCC recommendations?’
Radio shows so far this morning on the news:
ABC Local Radio Brisbane, Madonna King.
Ken McLeod on Radio 2UE and Toni on 2UE earlier (MP3 Link)
Further updates – it’s on the FRONT PAGE of the Sydney Morning Herald!
ABC News – Anti-vaccination campaigners slapped with safety warning. (Thanks to Mark!)
I’m certain there’ll be more – see the #STOPAVN hashtag on Twitter for updates.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Sent to Northern Star:
Should the AVN comply with the HCCC recommendations?
Absolutely.
It is pure hypocrisy for the AVN to describe themselves as a ”consumer advocacy and vaccine safety watchdog group“ and at the same time expect to be outside the jurisdiction of the Health Care Complaints Commission.
The AVN claims it provides ”balance“ to the pro-vaccination information available. They do not provide any pro-vaccination information. Ergo, they are anti-vaccination.
I think the AVN should embrace the label and change their name to Anti-Vaccination Network. That is, after all, exactly what they are.
Regards,
Renae Hutchinson
I have sent my opinion to the North Star. The AVN is anti-vaxx and should comply.
This is also featured on the ABC: Anti-vaccination campaigners slapped with safety warning.
While Dorey is claiming “censorship at the highest level” (presumably the Illuminati), a paediatrician is quoted describing their methods much more accurately: “They spook many young families”.
Can you help us to remove the AVN from the top result on a Google search on vaccination?
http://bit.ly/cka02e
Please retweet.
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