Anti-science bills hit statehouses, strip away 100y of public health protections
14 hours ago
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- #vaccines
- #public-health
- Over 420 anti-science bills targeting public health protections like vaccines, milk safety, and fluoride have been introduced in U.S. statehouses this year.
- These bills are part of an organized campaign linked to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aiming to dismantle century-old public health safeguards.
- Around 30 anti-science bills have been enacted in 12 states, with anti-vaccine legislation being the most common.
- The movement is fueled by conspiracy theories, with groups like MAHA Action and Stand for Health Freedom pushing anti-vaccine, anti-fluoride, and raw milk agendas.
- Vaccination rates are declining, leading to the resurgence of diseases like measles and whooping cough.
- The Dahlberg family lost their 8-year-old son, Liam, to a vaccine-preventable disease, highlighting the dangers of low immunization rates.
- Anti-science activists use sophisticated political strategies, including lobbying, social media campaigns, and legislative maneuvers, to advance their agenda.
- Florida and Utah banned fluoride in public drinking water, despite evidence of its benefits for dental and heart health.
- Raw milk sales are being promoted despite outbreaks linked to its consumption, including a case where a toddler nearly died.
- Lawmakers and experts warn that anti-science policies undermine public health and the social contract, putting vulnerable populations at risk.