The Ethical Dilemma of Jeanette Breen: Vaccinations and Homeopathy in Midwifery

Every parent prays for the health and well-being of their children. However, medical practitioners like Jeanette Breen, a midwife from New York, challenge this foundation by advocating for homeopathic remedies over vaccinations. While some believe that homeopathy offers a safer alternative, the ethical, scientific, and legal implications of her actions cannot be ignored.

The Uneasy Reality of Modern Healthcare

Conquering illnesses has been one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine, thanks to vaccines and other immunizations. Yet, at the same time, tragedies like the removal of Andrew Wakefield from the medical community and the stringent criticisms he faced bring forth a legal and ethical dilemma. Dr. Wakefield’s findings hint at the potential risks of vaccines, challenging the previously unchallenged dogma.

Challenges to the Immune System

Infants' immune systems are not fully developed until months after birth, requiring natural pathogenic challenges to grow. Vaccines, in essence, bypass these natural processes and manipulate the infant's cellular immune response from Th1 to Th2, which can predispose children to long-term, unpredictable disorders and autoimmune diseases. This interference with one's intricate immune system is a profound and risky venture.

Legal and Ethical Implications

While Jeanette Breen claims to be helping children avoid the 'barrage of vaccines,' her actions raise significant concerns regarding the safety and ethicality of her practice. In the UK, such a behavior would lead to deregistration from the midwifery register, rendering her unable to practice. This underscores the importance of evidence-based science and the seriousness with which health professionals must approach their duties.

Defying Evidence-Based Science

The use of homeopathy in a midwife's practice is inherently contradictory to the principles of evidence-based medicine. Homeopathic remedies, though popular, lack substantial scientific evidence to support their efficacy. Believing solely in the potential of homeopathy while disregarding, or dismissing, the role and importance of traditional vaccinations is a form of medical malpractice that endangers patients' health.

Conclusion and Contemplation

It is not just a matter of opinion or personal choice; it is a matter of public health and the duty to safeguard the health and safety of the vulnerable. Whether her beliefs are due to ignorance or a genuine desire to protect children, Jeanette Breen's actions are ethically and legally questionable. As healthcare professionals, we must uphold standards of practice that are grounded in scientific evidence and ethical integrity.

In conclusion, the future of Jeanette Breen as a midwife seems bleak if her actions continue. Legal and ethical considerations demand that healthcare providers follow evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is essential for the health and well-being of our children.