North Carolina - pass bill tonight that Outlaws Practicing Natural Medicine

[Guest guest]

NC bill threatens to criminalize naturopaths, homeopaths, herbalists, midwives,

aromatherapists as felons

http://www.naturalnews.com/031953_medical_practice_licensing.html

Alternative health practitioners in North Carolina (NC) and their patients need

your help to defeat a stealth bill that flew under the radar of most everyone in

the natural health community. Senate Bill 31, which clarifies the penalties for

the " unauthorized practice of medicine, " essentially criminalizes the practice

of unlicensed forms of medicine, which includes the work of many naturopaths,

homeopaths, herbalists, aromatherapists, and even some midwives in the state.

The bill was adopted by a judiciary committee in early March, and it recently

passed the NC Senate. Now, the NC House is set to vote on the bill tonight, and

unless NC governor Bev Perdue vetoes it, the practice of natural medicine for

many in NC may soon become a more severe criminal offense.

SB 31 states that anyone who practices medicine or surgery without having been

first " licensed and registered to do so " will be guilty of a Class I felony.

Class I felonies in NC are the least severe kinds of felonies, but they do

include things like burning crosses on private or public property, and sexually

exploiting children. So if passed, SB 31 will essentially make those who

practice alternative medicine without an official, state-sanctioned license and

permit, criminals of the likes of sexual predators and cross burners.

The NC House is set to debate and vote on SB 31 at 7:00 pm tonight. And whether

or not you live in NC, this bill contributes to setting a precedent of

intolerance for natural and alternative medicine, so it is important to oppose

it regardless of whether or not you live in NC.

You can reach the NC House to oppose the bill by calling (919) 733-7928.

You can reach Governor Bev Perdue's Raleigh office by calling (919) 733-4240.

Remember, when contacting government officials to express your thoughts, always

be respectful, but firm in your discourse. Clearly and succinctly express

opposition to SB 31 on the grounds that it further erodes health freedom in NC

by criminalizing those who practice alternative medicine. Also, urge support for

the CHF Consumer Health Freedom Act, which establishes the freedom to practice

alternative medicine without criminal penalty. "

You can only have freedom IF you make your voice known!

The best in health, Bee