RFK Jr’s funding cuts are ‘retaliation’ not ‘science’: Pediatrician

Funding & Policy Concerns - HHS's decision to halt funding raises concerns about alignment with their agenda, particularly regarding programs focused on infant deaths, birth defects, prenatal substance exposure, and teen mental health [1][2] - The lack of clear, evidence-based reasons for pulling funding suggests potential retaliation rather than scientific decision-making [3] - Concerns exist that funding cuts may be due to disagreements with the AAP on policies not supported by evidence, setting an unhealthy precedent [6] - HHS is criticized for fighting against identity-based language, including references to racial disparities and the term "pregnant people" [8] Public Health & Vaccine Issues - There's a concern about attacks on children's health, starting with vaccines and the measles epidemic [10] - Misinformation about vaccines, such as claims about the measles vaccine being "leaky" or contaminated, contributes to public health issues [11] - Measles has resurged in America, with approximately 2,000 cases across 43 states, nearing the loss of elimination status [13] - The high number of measles cases, the highest since 1992, demonstrates the impact of misinformation from sources like RFK Jr, despite the availability of a safe vaccine [14] Gender Affirming Care - The administration's moves to ban gender affirming care for transgender young people, even where legal, are concerning [15] - Equating gender affirming care to malpractice is a falsehood, as evidence shows appropriate care can lower rates of depression and suicide risk for some adolescents [15][16] - Decisions about gender affirming care are individualized, cautious, and based on a child's overall health, not made overnight [16][18] - Marginalization of the transgender population is a concern, and spreading falsehoods about gender affirming care is frustrating [18][19]