Statement of Principle

We, as representatives of scientifi c organizations devoted to improving health care and advancing research, reaffi rm that it is the mission of our respective medical journals to report and disseminate data from scientifi c investigation, evolving medical care, and innovative treatments. We believe these reports serve to unite basic scientists, clinical investigators, and medical professionals regardless of their country of origin, ethnic group, or political leaning. We believe that these eff orts achieve the common goal of advancing scientifi c discoveries that lead to improved health of people worldwide. On the basis of our goals and principles, our respective journals will refrain from publishing articles addressing political issues that are outside of either research funding or health care delivery.