French ‘Article Pfizer’ Bill Aimed at Punishing Vaccine Critics Becomes Law

The passage of a controversial French bill now makes it a criminal offense to speak out against the COVID-19 shot, sending shockwaves among health professionals and free speech advocates throughout the country. Article 4 of the new law, nicknamed “Article Pfizer” by critics, criminalizes “provocation to abstain from care,” according to a French news TKP report. The law, which passed the French Parliament by a vote of 182–137, also criminalizes the “request to discontinue or refrain from therapeutic or prophylactic medical treatment” as well as “the request to use practices that are presented as therapeutic or prophylactic,” Health advocates claim the language specifically applies to anyone who advises against COVID-19 vaccines or other “medical treatments” and who are “obviously suitable according to the state of medical knowledge.” Those who suggested alternative therapies or medication would also be subject to penalty under the new law, which can mean up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 15,000 euros (about $16,100)....