Health Risks Rise as Anti-Science Laws Spread Across the U. S.

In the U.S., a growing number of laws threaten public health by targeting vaccines, milk safety, and fluoride. These laws, often pushed by groups linked to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aim to dismantle protections that have been in place for over a century. Around 30 such bills have already been passed in 12 states this year alone.

A Broader Movement Questioning Science

The push for these laws is part of a broader movement that questions well-established science. For example, some activists argue that vaccines cause harm, fluoride is dangerous, and pasteurization is unnecessary. These ideas, which have been debunked by experts, are gaining traction in state legislatures.

Real-World Consequences

The impact of these laws is already being felt. In Indiana, a family lost their 8-year-old son, Liam, to a vaccine-preventable disease. His parents, Ashlee and Erik Dahlberg, believe Liam was exposed to the disease by someone who was not vaccinated. The Dahlbergs now live in fear for their other two children, as vaccination rates in their community continue to drop.

Experts warn that these laws are not just about personal choice. They can have serious consequences for public health. For instance, the decline in vaccination rates has led to a resurgence of diseases like measles and whooping cough. Similarly, the push for raw milk and against fluoride can lead to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and tooth decay.

The Movement Behind the Laws

Despite the risks, the movement behind these laws continues to grow. Groups like MAHA Action, Stand for Health Freedom, the National Vaccine Information Center, and the Weston A. Price Foundation are actively lobbying for these changes. They argue that their agenda is about health freedom and individual choice, not anti-science.

However, critics say that these groups are spreading misinformation and putting lives at risk. They point to the fact that these groups often rely on conspiracy theories and pseudoscience to push their agenda. For example, some activists claim that vaccines contain harmful chemicals, fluoride is a poison, and pasteurization makes milk less nutritious.

Politics and Science

The fight over these laws is not just about science. It's also about politics. Some lawmakers are using these issues to rally their base and gain support. For example, in Florida, a law was recently passed that makes it a felony to engage in "geoengineering," a term often used to describe the conspiracy theory that planes are spraying chemicals into the atmosphere.

Global Impact

The impact of these laws is not just felt in the U.S. The movement behind them is part of a global trend that questions scientific consensus and promotes individual choice over public health. This trend is worrisome, as it can lead to a decline in vaccination rates and an increase in preventable diseases.

A Fight Over Values

In the end, the fight over these laws is about more than just science. It's about the values we hold as a society. Do we prioritize individual choice over public health? Or do we recognize that our choices can have consequences for others?