Barbara O’Neill, a 73-year-old naturopath and nutritionist who describes herself as a proponent of natural self-healing, is set to conduct a series of events across the UK and Ireland despite widespread criticism from the scientific and medical communities. O’Neill has made various health claims including assertions that cancer is a fungus treatable with bicarbonate soda, that vaccines have caused autism and cot death, and that pregnant women with Strep B need not take antibiotics.
The Australian Health Care Complaints Commission permanently banned O’Neill from providing any health services in 2019 following an investigation into her professional conduct. The investigation concluded that O’Neill misleads vulnerable populations, including cancer patients and mothers, through selective information provision and discourages mainstream medical treatments including cancer therapies, antibiotics, and vaccinations. Despite this prohibition, O’Neill and her husband Michael continue to operate events internationally.
Scientists and health experts, including Dr David Robert Grimes of Trinity College Dublin, have organized a letter to UK and Irish venues expressing concerns about O’Neill’s upcoming appearances. Signatories include leadership from major health organizations and academic institutions, who characterize O’Neill as a purveyor of dangerous medical misinformation. O’Neill charges thousands of dollars for retreats and consultations. Recent data from the UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences indicates that 67% of UK adults view health misinformation as a significant problem, with 89% believing it puts lives at risk.
Upcoming engagements include a five-day retreat in Cheshire priced at £700 per ticket and an event in Ireland scheduled for mid-October. O’Neill and her husband are also scheduled to appear at the Founders and Future festival at Glasgow University Union. Venue operators and organizers have stated they host a range of private events and external bookings. Medical professionals have warned that following O’Neill’s advice instead of evidence-based treatment could result in serious harm or death.
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