ICA Launches Worldwide Effort To Support Manitoba Chiropractors in Court Action To Fight Medical Attacks

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is joining other chiropractic organizations around the world in declaring November 29, 2000, as International Chiropractic Solidarity Day and asking every doctor of chiropr actic in North America to devote the proceeds from the first three patient visits to support the efforts of the Manitoba chiropractors in their legal fight against organized medicine on that day.

The Manitoba Chiropractors' Association has filed a defamation lawsuit against that province's College of Physicians and Surgeons, challenging them in the legal system. The "Statement of Claim" alleges that the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons has "historically acted in a malicious and defamatory manner toward the plaintiff (the chiropractors in Manitoba), which has manifested itself in various attempts to discredit the plaintiff."

"The world of chiropractic is under severe pressure from critics, and competitors who continue to employ highly questionable ways and means to attack and injure our profession," said ICA President Dr. Robert J. Hoffman. "This is nothing new, but it never gets any easier to endure. All of us in chiropractic know that there are times when the attacks of the medical establishment cross the line and it is time to fight back with all of the resources at our profession's command. A courageous group of our Canadian colleagues are engaged in such a fight and they deserve the moral and FINANCIAL support of every doctor of chiropractic in the world...."

The Manitoba chiropractors allege that emotional and sensational tactics have been used to discredit chiropractic, including allegations of injury and risk of death for children who are under chiropractic care. The suit alleges that the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Manitoba has used the media, their access to public policy makers, and the resources of their MD members to frighten and confuse chiropractic patients and the public at large.

ICA has offered to collect the proceeds from participating doctors and forward 100% of those funds to the Manitoba Chiropractors' Association to help cover the thousands of dollars in legal fees that will be required to see this challenge through. A donation form that allows you to make your donation via credit card or check is available on ICA's website at www.chiropractic.org. Or you may request a form from the ICA offices in Arlington, Va. Contact ICA at 800-423-4690, by fax at 703-528-5023.

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