Full-page Scientology Ad in July AJN (really!)

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I got my July AJN 2 weeks ago. The ad inside the back cover was about the dangers of psychiatric drugs. It struck me as a bit alarmist (all drugs are trial-and error), then I noticed that it was sponsored by the Citizen's Commission on Human Rights. I remember them from Boston; they liked to distribute leaflets about the dangers of psychiatry. I checked them out online, and found out that they are part of the Church of Scientology!

Why is "one of the most influential health-care journals in medicine" (AJN Editorial, July 2009) publishing ads for the Church of Scientology? Was someone not paying attention? Has the journal been infiltrated? It's extremely embarrassing, and makes me wonder about their ad policy.

If you haven't see the ad, try here.

[Be_Moore]

Isn't Freedom of Speech an amazing thing!

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

An advertisement isn't really about free speech. It does seem a peculiar place for Scientologists to take out an add. Of course they probably paid a shedload for it.

To be fair, drug treatment for anything can take a few attempts to achieve a good response without unwanted side effects.

I would still question the judgement of those who allowed this advertisement.

[leslie :-D]

i find it awfully bizarre.

leslie

[llg, PhD, RN]

Yeah ... bizarre. I wonder if they were aware of the connection when they agreed to publish the ad.

[shortye]

I think it is strange as well.

[oregonchinamom]

How totally weird! Are the editors going to jumping on couches next?

[elkpark]

AJN must be really desperate for advertising revenue! Yuck!

[heron, ASN, RN]

An advertisement isn't really about free speech. It does seem a peculiar place for Scientologists to take out an add. Of course they probably paid a shedload for it.

To be fair, drug treatment for anything can take a few attempts to achieve a good response without unwanted side effects.

I would still question the judgement of those who allowed this advertisement.

Actually, ads are protected speech, within certain broad limits. But there's nothing to compel AJN to publish it.

The linked reproduction was too small to read the text, so I can't comment on the ad content.

And the ad wasn't for the church, per se. It seems to be selling a dvd on psych drugs ... though knowing the tactics used by the church, it skeeves me out, too.

Altogether embarrassing.

[onetiredmomma]

I would be interested in the response this ad generates from readers. I agree AJN must need $$ badly!

[hallcrest]

this would be a fantastic question to pose to the editor of the publication. i am curious how he/she might respond.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

this would be a fantastic question to pose to the editor of the publication. i am curious how he/she might respond.

my thought, as well.....