Article June 17, 1905 Issue

Legislation in North Dakota

J. W. Thompson

In their legislative work this year, the medical fraternity did not slight North Dakota. At two previous successive sessions a bill was presented, containing a clause to which the Scientists objected on the ground that it might be construed to exclude Christian Science practice. In 1901 the bill was defeated; in 1903 it was "indefinitely postponed," and at the late session of 1905, through the persistent work of the Christian Scientists, who are specially indebted to Senator J. D. Bacon for his personal interest, this third attempt was frustrated. The bill provided for a certain course of study and an examination before a Medical Board authorized to issue certificates or licenses, before beginning the practice of medicine. The physician introducing the bill, and his friends, insisted there was nothing in it that was meant to affect, or that would affect, Christian Scientists, yet they refused to insert the word "medical" before the word "physician," or to make it read "a physician using material remedies, drugs, and surgical appliances." Then an amendment was offered to the effect that the law should not apply to Christian Scientists. The vote on amendment was a tie, and President Bartlett voted for the first time during his office as president of the Senate for two sessions, casting his vote in favor of the amendment. And now, the physicians, who claimed they were not after Scientists, worked with might and defeated the bill as amended. Recalling it, they threw out the entire definition of medicine, and it passed; being practically similar to the one already upon the statutes. This leaves open the opportunity for a definition of the practice of medicine at the next session, convening in 1907. But the chances are narrowing. The people are awakening to the fact that not only is this an attempt to prohibit Christian Science healing, but that it will deny to all citizens the privilege of employing any cure save that of materia medica.

J. W. Thompson, Publication Committee, for No. Dak.

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