A Medical Group Warns Against Mask Mandates, Citing Lack of Evidence and Violation of Informed Consent
A medical group has issued a strong warning against the use of masks for respiratory viruses like COVID-19. They argue that studies have shown masks to be ineffective in preventing the spread of these viruses and that mask mandates violate patients’ rights to informed consent.
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a conservative-aligned medical group, stated, “As mask mandates are contrary to the fundamental medical principle of informed consent, all masking mandates currently in place must be rescinded, and no future mandates should be imposed.” This statement is likely in response to recent hospital mask mandates that were reintroduced in August.
The group referenced a recent paper from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews which concluded that numerous studies did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. Additionally, there were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks and N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers for routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.
In contrast, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies have stated that masking is effective and have cited several studies to support this claim. However, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons maintains its stance against mask mandates.
Disagreement Over Safety
Over the years, numerous studies from around the world have questioned the effectiveness of masks. Some studies have even highlighted the downsides of prolonged mask wearing, including impaired cognition, skin problems, and headaches, according to the physicians’ group.
The group also mentioned a recent paper that revealed elevated carbon dioxide levels when wearing masks, which can be detrimental to children’s speech and language development. The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons argues that masking without clear benefits leads to societal alienation.
Miami Beach police officers wear masks outside the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla., on April 8, 2020. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
This warning comes as a few U.S. hospitals, schools, offices, and a county government have implemented mask mandates due to a slight increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
New Mandates
The University of Chicago Medical Center in Illinois recently announced a mask mandate for employees dealing with patients. Several hospitals in Upstate New York, California, and Massachusetts have also issued mask mandates for staff, although they may not require them for patients or visitors.
In August, a liberal arts college in Atlanta temporarily reinstated a mask mandate in response to student infections. However, the mandate was later rescinded after two weeks.
Most recently, an elementary school in Montgomery County, Maryland, required masks for a kindergarten class after several students tested positive for the virus. This decision sparked controversy on social media, with conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz expressing their opposition.
Jeff Nesbit, assistant secretary for public affairs for Health and Human Services, clarified that there is no federal mask mandate. He emphasized the availability of vaccines, at-home testing, and treatments as tools for individuals to protect themselves from COVID-19. Masking remains a personal choice.
Officials from the CDC and the Transportation Security Administration have also denied discussions about mask mandates or lockdowns.
When asked about the possibility of mandates, Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, stated that there is currently no need for them. However, she emphasized the importance of monitoring the virus and making appropriate recommendations if necessary.
How does the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons argue that mask mandates violate patients’ rights to informed consent?
A Medical Group Warns Against Mask Mandates, Citing Lack of Evidence and Violation of Informed Consent
A medical group has issued a strong warning against the use of masks for respiratory viruses like COVID-19. They argue that studies have shown masks to be ineffective in preventing the spread of these viruses and that mask mandates violate patients’ rights to informed consent.
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a conservative-aligned medical group, stated, “As mask mandates are contrary to the fundamental medical principle of informed consent, all masking mandates currently in place must be rescinded, and no future mandates should be imposed.” This statement is likely in response to recent hospital mask mandates that were reintroduced in August.
The group referenced a recent paper from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews which concluded that numerous studies did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. Additionally, there were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks and N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers for routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.
In contrast, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies have stated that masking is effective and have cited several studies to support this claim. However, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons maintains its stance against mask mandates.
Disagreement Over Safety
Over the years, numerous studies from around the world have questioned the effectiveness of masks. Some studies have even highlighted the downsides of prolonged mask wearing, including impaired cognition, skin problems, and headaches, according to the physicians’ group.
The group also mentioned a recent paper that revealed elevated carbon dioxide levels when wearing masks, which can be detrimental to children’s speech and language development. The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons argues that masking without clear benefits leads to societal alienation.
In conclusion, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons is warning against mask mandates, citing a lack of evidence and violation of informed consent. While there is disagreement among medical groups regarding the effectiveness of masks, it is important for individuals to stay informed and make decisions based on their own health circumstances.
Now loading...