Debate Over a New Surgeon General: A Look at the Controversies

The Senate’s Health Committee held a hearing to review a nomination for the country’s top medical officer. The candidate, a licensed doctor who also runs a popular wellness blog, is closely linked to a high‑profile activist group. She said her goal was to help people who want clear answers about health. During the session, lawmakers pressed her on vaccines and autism. She acknowledged that vaccines protect against serious diseases but stopped short of telling parents to give their children a measles shot. When asked whether vaccines can cause autism, she said the medical community does not know what triggers the condition and that more research is needed. Many scientists point out that studies have shown no link between shots and autism. The nominee also talked about flu vaccines. She avoided a firm stance on whether the shot cuts severe illness in kids, only suggesting it might help at the population level. She later seemed uncertain about recommending hepatitis B shots for all Americans, after a change in the CDC’s advice last year.Questions about birth control came up too. She had previously called oral contraceptives “a disrespect of life” and warned about serious health risks. When asked, she said her comments were taken out of context and that doctors often fail to give patients full information. She claimed most women are not properly informed about the risks of hormonal pills. Senators also questioned her past endorsements of supplements and other products. They said she had hidden financial ties to the companies whose items she promoted, a violation of federal rules. She denied wrongdoing and promised full compliance with ethics regulations if appointed. The nominee reaffirmed her support for the activist group’s agenda. She mentioned research into psychedelic therapy but said she would not recommend it to the public right now. When asked about her medical license, she explained that it is inactive and that she will not reactivate it soon because of misinformation in the media. Finally, she spoke about environmental health. She believes chemicals used on crops, especially a widely used herbicide, contribute to chronic illness. While she urged a shift toward safer farming practices, she warned that sudden changes could harm farmers and consumers alike.