Fran Sheffield
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 12:57 am
Here is the latest from Fran Sheffield and the legal action against her
Regards Pauline
http://mad.ly/e4b9f3?pact=512354872072504890&fe=1
ACCC vs Homeopathy Plus Court Case Update
(If this is the first time you’ve heard about the legal action launched against Fran Sheffield and Homeopathy Plus by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), read our previous updates here ).
The withdrawal... and what remains
How much I can share about this matter is still restricted by sub judice, but I can now tell you that the ACCC has withdrawn its claim that Homeopathy Plus and I misled and deceived people when we said that homeopathy could be used for the treatment of a serious epidemic and communicable disease.
The ACCC's case now rests on whether statements made about homeopathy’s ability to prevent that same disease - and the effectiveness of the vaccine for it - were misleading or deceptive. As we believe these claims were based on sound homeopathic science and current research trends we are vigorously defending these statements.
Numerous injunctions and penalties
The ACCC is seeking injunctions that we pay their legal costs, along with substantial fines for statements we made. The ACCC is also seeking an injunction to prevent the return of this information to the Homeopathy Plus website so that it cannot be read and discussed by others. In addition, they're seeking injunctions against me, Homeopathy Plus and any “agent” from making future statements about the effectiveness or reliability of the vaccine or suggesting that homeopathy can be used as an alternative.
What does this mean for you?
While grounds for this case have shifted, the right to discuss the effectiveness and risks of a vaccine and the right to provide alternative information on disease prevention and protection is still under serious threat.
A precedent in this case will have significant implications not just for us, but for anyone from the complementary and alternative medicine sphere who shares information that differs from government medical policy. This in turn will further restrict information to those who want to use alternate forms of healthcare.
We need your help
The support we received from so many at the start of the case has been invaluable. Our reports and most affidavits from the expert witnesses have now been lodged with the court, but there is still more to be done. Will you help us?
The two most immediate ways to make a difference are by spreading the word and supporting our defence through the fighting fund.
How to help 1: Donate to the fighting fund
Your donation, no matter how big or small, is vital for the final preparation of expert reports and the cost of bringing those experts to court. If you have ever been helped by homeopathy or alternative healthcare, or if you practice homeopathy or a similar therapy, now is the time to help protect your rights.
You can donate by any of the following ways:
1. Pay by card over the phone at 02 4304 0822 (International callers: +612 4304 0822)
________________________________
2. Make a PayPal payment at: fransheffield@homeopathyplus.com.au - remember to add FIGHTING FUND in the comments section and we will send you a receipt.
________________________________
3. Direct deposit funds into the following designated account – be sure to email us at office@homeopathyplus.com.au with the amount and FIGHTING FUND in the subject line so we can send you a receipt:
Westpac Account: Fighting Fund
BSB: 032 627
Account: 198475
________________________________
4. Fax your credit card details and the amount you want to give to 02 4044 0153 (international faxes: +612 4044 0153)
________________________________
5. Mail your cheque to Homeopathy Plus at:
7b / 1 Pioneer Avenue
Tuggerah NSW 2259
Once again, remember to provide your name and address so we can send you a receipt.
________________________________
How to help 2: Spread the word
Another big way to help is to spread the word about this case in any way you can.
Tell your family, friends and patients about it and the implications it may have for their access to alternative health information and treatment. Post it on your blog and Facebook pages. Tweet it and pin it up on Pinterest. Share it on other social media sites. Send the information to any email lists you may be involved with. It is important to get the word out to as many people as possible.
My deepest thanks,
-Fran Sheffield
Pauline Ashford
Maleny Homeopathy
Homeopathy, Dorn spinal and headache treatment,
Lymphatic drainage massage, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Reiki
130 Ansell Rd, Witta, QLD 4552
Ph 07.54944101
paulineashford@dodo.com.au
www.malenyhomeopathy.com
Hrs Mon 12-9pm, Tues & Thurs 9-5
Best time to get me on phone (rather than my answer machine) is within the ½ hour before clinic day start time
I do not have a secretary and do not answer the phone while I have a patient with me
Email is always the fastest way to get me
Regards Pauline
http://mad.ly/e4b9f3?pact=512354872072504890&fe=1
ACCC vs Homeopathy Plus Court Case Update
(If this is the first time you’ve heard about the legal action launched against Fran Sheffield and Homeopathy Plus by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), read our previous updates here ).
The withdrawal... and what remains
How much I can share about this matter is still restricted by sub judice, but I can now tell you that the ACCC has withdrawn its claim that Homeopathy Plus and I misled and deceived people when we said that homeopathy could be used for the treatment of a serious epidemic and communicable disease.
The ACCC's case now rests on whether statements made about homeopathy’s ability to prevent that same disease - and the effectiveness of the vaccine for it - were misleading or deceptive. As we believe these claims were based on sound homeopathic science and current research trends we are vigorously defending these statements.
Numerous injunctions and penalties
The ACCC is seeking injunctions that we pay their legal costs, along with substantial fines for statements we made. The ACCC is also seeking an injunction to prevent the return of this information to the Homeopathy Plus website so that it cannot be read and discussed by others. In addition, they're seeking injunctions against me, Homeopathy Plus and any “agent” from making future statements about the effectiveness or reliability of the vaccine or suggesting that homeopathy can be used as an alternative.
What does this mean for you?
While grounds for this case have shifted, the right to discuss the effectiveness and risks of a vaccine and the right to provide alternative information on disease prevention and protection is still under serious threat.
A precedent in this case will have significant implications not just for us, but for anyone from the complementary and alternative medicine sphere who shares information that differs from government medical policy. This in turn will further restrict information to those who want to use alternate forms of healthcare.
We need your help
The support we received from so many at the start of the case has been invaluable. Our reports and most affidavits from the expert witnesses have now been lodged with the court, but there is still more to be done. Will you help us?
The two most immediate ways to make a difference are by spreading the word and supporting our defence through the fighting fund.
How to help 1: Donate to the fighting fund
Your donation, no matter how big or small, is vital for the final preparation of expert reports and the cost of bringing those experts to court. If you have ever been helped by homeopathy or alternative healthcare, or if you practice homeopathy or a similar therapy, now is the time to help protect your rights.
You can donate by any of the following ways:
1. Pay by card over the phone at 02 4304 0822 (International callers: +612 4304 0822)
________________________________
2. Make a PayPal payment at: fransheffield@homeopathyplus.com.au - remember to add FIGHTING FUND in the comments section and we will send you a receipt.
________________________________
3. Direct deposit funds into the following designated account – be sure to email us at office@homeopathyplus.com.au with the amount and FIGHTING FUND in the subject line so we can send you a receipt:
Westpac Account: Fighting Fund
BSB: 032 627
Account: 198475
________________________________
4. Fax your credit card details and the amount you want to give to 02 4044 0153 (international faxes: +612 4044 0153)
________________________________
5. Mail your cheque to Homeopathy Plus at:
7b / 1 Pioneer Avenue
Tuggerah NSW 2259
Once again, remember to provide your name and address so we can send you a receipt.
________________________________
How to help 2: Spread the word
Another big way to help is to spread the word about this case in any way you can.
Tell your family, friends and patients about it and the implications it may have for their access to alternative health information and treatment. Post it on your blog and Facebook pages. Tweet it and pin it up on Pinterest. Share it on other social media sites. Send the information to any email lists you may be involved with. It is important to get the word out to as many people as possible.
My deepest thanks,
-Fran Sheffield
Pauline Ashford
Maleny Homeopathy
Homeopathy, Dorn spinal and headache treatment,
Lymphatic drainage massage, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Reiki
130 Ansell Rd, Witta, QLD 4552
Ph 07.54944101
paulineashford@dodo.com.au
www.malenyhomeopathy.com
Hrs Mon 12-9pm, Tues & Thurs 9-5
Best time to get me on phone (rather than my answer machine) is within the ½ hour before clinic day start time
I do not have a secretary and do not answer the phone while I have a patient with me
Email is always the fastest way to get me