Barbara O’Neill, born on July 28, 1953, is a well-known figure in the realm of alternative health care, particularly for her promotion of unverified and potentially hazardous health practices.
Despite having no recognized qualifications and failing nursing training, she has been a prominent speaker at wellness retreats and Seventh-day Adventist Churches.
Her husband, Michael O’Neill, is the founder of the Informed Medical Options Party, an anti-vaccination and anti-fluoride political group. The following article explores the life, controversies, and current activities of Barbara O’Neill.
The Rise and Fall of Barbara O’Neill
In 2019, Barbara O’Neill faced a significant professional setback when the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) in New South Wales ruled that she could no longer provide health-related services.
This decision came after numerous complaints from both the public and health professionals, highlighting her dangerous advice to vulnerable patients, such as urging cancer patients to forgo chemotherapy in favor of bicarbonate of soda and recommending unpasteurized goat’s milk for infants.
The investigation also revealed that she lacked any qualifications in health-related fields and failed to meet the standards expected of unregistered health professionals.
A Career Built on Controversy
Despite these prohibitions, Barbara O’Neill has continued to promote herself as a naturopath, nutritionist, and health educator since at least 2004. She ran the Misty Mountain Health Retreat near Kempsey with her husband, charging clients up to A$8,800 per stay.
She also conducted paid telephone consultations, claiming to offer detox services that could aid in recovery from a variety of ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Her presentations, which have garnered over 700,000 views, and her books continue to disseminate her controversial advice.
Unsubstantiated Health Claims
O’Neill has made several unverified claims throughout her career. She has promoted the idea that cancer is a fungus that can be treated with baking soda, discouraged the use of chemotherapy, and advocated for a low carbohydrate diet as a cancer cure.
In one tragic instance, a Cook Islands man with stage four cancer died after following her advice to treat his disease with bicarbonate soda, lemon juice, and boiled water instead of seeking medical intervention.
Her anti-vaccination stance is equally alarming. O’Neill has claimed that all vaccines are harmful and can cause a range of conditions. She has even suggested that children can be “naturally vaccinated” against tetanus by drinking water, going to bed early, and avoiding junk food, which contradicts established medical advice.
The HCCC Investigation and Prohibition Order
The HCCC investigation into Barbara O’Neill’s practices revealed a plethora of concerning behaviors. She provided health advice without any proper qualifications and failed to keep records of the advice she dispensed.
Her recommendations were often based on discredited sources, such as Tullio Simoncini, a former oncologist convicted of fraud and manslaughter. Despite being confronted with these issues, O’Neill continued to stand by her recommendations.
On September 24, 2019, the HCCC banned O’Neill indefinitely from providing any health services or education in Australia, regardless of payment. This prohibition extends across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. However, O’Neill continues to offer her services abroad, including in the United States and the Cook Islands.
Current Activities and Continued Controversies
Despite the HCCC’s prohibition, Barbara O’Neill has remained active in the health and wellness community. She continues to deliver programs aimed at cancer patients in the United States, charging nearly US$6,000 per person.
O’Neill also conducts wellness retreats in New Zealand and the Cook Islands, where she provides similar advice that led to her ban in Australia.
In late 2019, O’Neill and her husband’s Misty Mountain Health Retreat came under investigation by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission for alleged breaches of charity law. Despite these ongoing issues, O’Neill has maintained a loyal following, with her events continuing to attract significant interest.
The Future of Barbara O’Neill
Barbara O’Neill’s future remains uncertain as she navigates the restrictions placed upon her in Australia while continuing to operate internationally. Her controversial practices and unsubstantiated health claims have drawn significant criticism from medical professionals and regulatory bodies.
However, her persistence in promoting her views and attracting followers suggests that she will remain a contentious figure in the alternative health care sector.
Barbara O’Neill’s journey reflects the complex intersection of alternative health practices and regulatory oversight. While her advice has been deemed dangerous and unsupported by medical authorities, she continues to find an audience for her controversial views.
Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of evidence-based medical practices and the potential dangers of unqualified health advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Barbara O’Neill now?
Barbara O’Neill continues to deliver wellness programs in the United States, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands, despite being banned from providing health-related services in Australia.
Why was Barbara O’Neill banned in Australia?
The Health Care Complaints Commission in New South Wales banned O’Neill for providing dangerous and unsupported health advice, such as recommending cancer patients avoid chemotherapy and promoting unpasteurized goat’s milk for infants.
What kind of advice did Barbara O’Neill give that led to her ban?
O’Neill advised cancer patients to use bicarbonate of soda instead of chemotherapy and suggested dangerous nutritional substitutes for infants. She also discouraged vaccinations and the use of antibiotics.
Is Barbara O’Neill still active in the health and wellness community?
Yes, despite her ban in Australia, Barbara O’Neill continues to offer health programs internationally, particularly in the United States and the Cook Islands.
What is the Informed Medical Options Party?
The Informed Medical Options Party is an anti-vaccination and anti-fluoride political group founded by Barbara O’Neill’s husband, Michael O’Neill. The party promotes alternative health views and has been widely criticized by medical professionals.