VA Orders Scientists to Halt Journal Publications Without Clearance
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has mandated that its physicians and scientists require pre-approval from political appointees before publishing in medical journals or speaking publicly. This directive, issued following the publication of a critical article in the New England Journal of Medicine, requires coordination with the VA’s public affairs office for all media engagements. The policy, while claimed to be longstanding, is seen by critics as censorship, particularly given concurrent efforts to restrict scientific research funding and publication. The authors of the article, which highlighted the negative impact of VA budget cuts on veterans’ healthcare, reported receiving support from colleagues despite the administration’s actions.
John Q. Hosedrinker