A growing coalition of health and consumer advocates is opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, citing concerns over his anti-vaccine stance and other health positions. Organizations like Protect Our Care, Public Citizen, and Community Catalyst, along with nearly 16,000 physicians, are campaigning to block his confirmation. Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccines, is the founder of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense and has questioned the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Kennedy’s agenda includes ending chronic diseases, severing ties between the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry, and advocating against fluoride in water. These positions have drawn fierce opposition, with critics arguing that his views could harm public health. Public Citizen’s Peter Maybarduk emphasized that elevating Kennedy’s views could spread dangerous misinformation, while former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb warned his policies could cost lives.
The coalition is focusing efforts on persuading Republican senators to oppose Kennedy, particularly those from states like Alaska, Idaho, and West Virginia. Protect Our Care is running advocacy campaigns and lobbying in key states. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s supporters, including the Super PAC American Values 2024, argue that opposition to him is driven by pharmaceutical interests. Groups like Community Catalyst also argue that Kennedy’s policies, such as removing fluoride from water, would disproportionately harm vulnerable communities, particularly children and minorities. Confirmation of Kennedy requires support from at least 50 Republican senators.
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