[PASSED] Traditional Medicine

[Ithreland]

(e) To ban likewise any traditional medication or other traditional medical theory that has been proven reasonably safe but whose effectiveness has not been proven, if a better alternative is available, unless it will be used only alongside that alternative (and can safely be thus used) — rather than in lieu of that alternative — for the possibility of a helpful placebo effect;

(c) To share all information that they have about the safety or effectiveness of traditional medicines with both their own nations' inhabitants and the World Assembly Scientific Programme (WASP).

(emphases mine)

If the efficacy of a medicine is clearly outlined as per 4c, then how would things function as a placebo as suggested in 3e?

[Imperial States of Burgh]

The Glorious Empire is AGAINST the proposal.

We will determine for ourselves, as is our right as a sovereign nation, which medical practices are best.

[Astroclair]

The nation of Astroclair will vote against this resolution. We strongly believe in safe and effective medical treatments and drugs and we agree with some portions of the resolution such as banning advertisement of traditional medicine, but we are concerned that this resolution does not take into account that some drugs and treatments have difficulty with being tested for efficacy. We believe that this resolution should only be concerned that traditional medicine be held to good manufacturing practices and is safe for human consumption. The issue of efficacy should be left to the individuals and the nations they live in as I am certain that there will be plenty of research that shows if a drug is ineffective. But if an individual continues to use it, despite being shown it is not effective, that is their choice and our only concern should be that the drug is safe for consumption.

[Treskovia]

The Imperial Congress agrees that medicines that have been scientifically proven to be effective are in essence better, but we are troubled about the banning the issue proposes. After all, we must take into account the fact that some treatments are not easily tested for efficacy, not to mention the fact that every individual, regardless of their species, has the right of free will, and can choose his own treatment, and imposing this treaty would set back our civil rights policies. However, unlike the government of Astroclair, we will not vote on the issue at all.

[Mihaiteren]

"I cannot in good conscience support this bill. While it is of course both sensible and moral to promote the use of modern and proven medicines, I cannot help but find it immoral to outright ban people from rubbing their prostates with extract of pasque flower, or whatever it is those bizarre 'herbal remedies' folks do. But beyond that, the enforcement of such regulations would be absolutely nightmarish. What are we supposed to do, install listening devices in everyone's homes and arrest every mother who decided to treat her son's sprained ankle by putting camphor oil on it? No, this legislation is absurd from both moral and practical perspectives. The Holy Empire of Mihaiteren votes against this proposal."

[Der Deutsches-Kaiserreich]

Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to point out one very important fact:

The Placebo Effect.

The Placebo effect is a psychological effect. For those who are not familiar with it, the Placebo effect is a proven phenomenon whose effects are famous for making 'Fake medicine work'. In a well known experiment, unknowing patients were given fake medicine to cure their headaches. Although these medicine did look like real medicine, they did not hold any real medicinal value and would scientifically have no effect whatsoever on the headache on the patients. And, you may already see it coming, all of the patients their headaches vanished! Even though the medicine was fake, it still healed the patients!

What does this mean?

This means that as long as patients think a medicine is real, the results they think that come with the medicine will become real, even though scientifically speaking that would be impossible. Therefore, even if 'traditional medicine' hold no value in the scientific world, they can still cure and heal the people who believe in them. Poorer patients may not be able to afford expensive and working medicine, and resort to the more traditional methods. These traditional methods might actually cure them because of the placebo effect. However, if said traditional medicine would be outlawed, the poorer citizens would have no medicine whatsoever!

For the sake of those people, I implore everyone to vote AGAINST this inhumane and cruel resolution! FAKE MEDICINE WORKS as long as people believe in it! Do not outlaw such a thing!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo

[Racoda]

Racoda recognizes the effectiveness and supports the use of tested medical products.
It is, however, concerned by the bans that this proposal would impose, which, depending on interpretation and specific national laws, would lead to either a re-classification of traditionally used subtances as medical supplements or a ban on the substance/practice itself, which creates a grey legal area in cases where it is not exclusively used as a medical treatment.
Furthermore, we believe that each individual has the right to choose their treatment, as long as they are aware of known side effects as well as of the scientific proof of the treatment's effectiveness (or lack thereof).

Because of these concerns, Racoda will vote AGAINST this proposal.

[Shaktirajya]

We, the People's Hindu Matriarchy of Shaktirajya, vote AGAINST this resolution with the following reasoning:

While We heartily support and view the development and practice of modern medicine as generally superior to that of "traditional medicine", We believe in the right of all humans to administer any drug into their system that they see fit in line with their own reasoning and conscience. Banning all "traditional medicine" and requiring all alternative medical treatments to be regulated by a supernational governing body We regard as a gross overstepping of authority. This would lead to a monopoly on drugs and medical treatments by a supernational body to the possible detriment of indigenous medicine and the autonomy of Our citizens.

Vaktaha Samajavadinaha Matrurajasya Shaktirajasya

[Scirelibertas]

I as the dictator of Scirelibertas vote against because if I want to test unsafe medicines on my populace in the name of science, that should be my decision. I want my country to further science at all costs, and have no regulations against progress. Your proposal slows down research that can be done much faster without restrictions such as these.

[Osirisa]

At this time the United Kingdom of Osirisa will NOT support this resolution for the following reasons;
We are of the mind that alternative medicine can at times be dangerous if practiced improperly, but do not a find this to be a matter of international import and believe the regulation of such practices should be left to individual member states because what can be considered 'alternative' medicine varies greatly by region and nation. We believe that the cost of enforcing these rules will be enormous with little to no benefit to our citizenry, citizens who choose alternative medicine have every opportunity to seek appropriate medical care in The United Kingdom's Universal Healthcare system and have chosen not to partake. It is a citizen's natural right to treat their illnesses as they see fit, we consider this resolution to be hinder that right due to the requirement of banning certain substances if they are unable to be tested, or found to not act as they are claimed to act on the human body. We certainly agree with testing substances and publishing the results, but if citizen's still choose to consume them we believe that is their right as God fearing Osirisans.

[Unia Saul]

New west indies fully support these resolution.

[Relikai]

"While modern chemical medicine has been proven effective against most ailments, the United Federation will have to vote against this in order to preserve the traditions of medicines from other cultures, notably practitioners of 'pre-modern' medicine which has proven effective in place of modern medicine.

"It is also noted from many testimonies and reports that traditional methods such as chiropractic treatment has proven effective for many patients who visited such practitioners, such as the conscripts of the Federal Combat Engineers who ended up with spinal or hip issues centered around the lower lumbar sections of the back, when the other alternative is to go under the knife for surgical realignment, a process which has permanent consequences compared to occasional, steady traditional treatment.

"The United Federation will however, place a closer watch on unscrupulous treatment and medicinal goods, such as those easily tampered with other chemicals such as Arsenic, and allow a department to be set up to promote practitioners who have done good for the Federation's citizens."

[Libre-Terre]

LIBRE-TERRE DEPARTMENT OF THE EXTERIOR

OFFICE OF THE AMBASSADOR AT LARGE FOR THE WORLD ASSEMBLY

MEMO:

The World Assembly,

Following extensive evaluation of the legal, financial and social ramifications of this legislation, this office has determined that a "NAY" vote would provide the greatest benefit to the people of Libre-Terre, and the international community at-large. Obviously, steps need to be taken to regulate and standardize the practice of non-conventional medicines, be they "traditional" or otherwise. That being said, this proposal presents itself as being far too vague in defining legal terms such as "Traditional Medicine," "Sentient Being" or "reasonable safety"; and further as presenting compliance issues for nations without the proper infrastructure to research traditional medical practices within their jurisdictions. Currently, Libre-Terre already maintains strict regulation on what products can be branded and labeled as "medicinal," and patents on medical treatments, therapies and drugs are prohibited.

[Tea-Party America]

Whatever's cheapest and doesn't interfere with my rights is good with me.

[Kenmoria]

Whatever's cheapest and doesn't interfere with my rights is good with me.

"This might have a few costs for your government about testing traditional medicines, but some may argue that the result of greater safety and health for the general populace. We, however, find some problems with personal freedom, hence vote AGAINST this proposal."

[Evei]

No.

[Bears Armed Mission]

and further as presenting compliance issues for nations without the proper infrastructure to research traditional medical practices within their jurisdictions.

Except that, under clause 5, TMEA will be informing the members of relevant tests that have been carried out in other nations -- and in some cases will also be doing such research itself -- as well...

[Dirty Americans]

Whatever's cheapest and doesn't interfere with my rights is good with me.

"But isn't that the rub? What's 'cheapest?' That which might seem cheap today could result in far greater expenses in the future. That's even before you consider that there is such a thing as quality, so you need to optimize cost for the level of quality you are looking for."

[Ransium]

Traditional Medicine was passed 15,760 votes to 3,933.

[Kenmoria]

Traditional Medicine was passed 15,760 votes to 3,933.

Well done, though that's not to say I don't intend to repeal this.

[Zone 71]

Great job. Congrats

[Christian Democrats]

Congrats!

Had we not missed the vote, we would have voted in favor of this resolution.