LETTER : Academic freedom for Aids doctor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Professor S. A. Moore
Sir: Your article "Admission of false Aids case suppressed by NHS" (6 April), a follow-up to one on 24 March relating to the world's first ever Aids victim, accused NHS officials of suppressing information and implies that the Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust tried to gag an employee, Dr Gerald Corbitt, who was involved in the case.
I can assure you that neither of these statements is correct. I have spent a lifetime as an academic and I believe in academic freedom. I would not countenance any attempt to prevent a full discussion of all the issues involved in this or any other case.
This trust does not gag its employees. Dr Corbitt has assured me that he has felt free to discuss his work on the 1959 Aids victim freely and he has done so.
Yours sincerely,
S. A. MOORE
Chairman, Central Manchester
Healthcare Trust
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
18 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments