A group of doctors wants the Supreme Court to block a California directive that permits medical boards to sanction physicians based on their advice and treatment of COVID-19.

In 2021, the Federation of State Medical Boards issued a press release on disciplining physicians over their viewpoints related to COVID-19.

But the challengers say the move runs afoul of the First Amendment, and they want the high court to issue an injunction.

They say there’s been backlash over counseling patients over the side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Win or lose, the country, state medical boards, physicians, their patients, and the public need guidance from this Court about the limitations, if any, on the government’s power to control the information physicians may share with patients and the public,” the doctors’ filing submitted to the court on Wednesday read.

The filing was presented to Justice Elena Kagan, who oversees challenges out of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes California.

According to the filing, at least one doctor has been subject to sanctions for counseling a patient against the COVID-19 vaccination. She reportedly warned a patient that the vaccine alters DNA and could increase the risk of miscarriage, according to one local report.

The doctor also suggested that the allegation that COVID is worse than the flu is politically motivated.

For more information, visit The Washington Times COVID-19 resource page.

• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.