Doctors Urge Senators to Reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services
Over 15,000 Doctors Sign Letter Opposing Confirmation
More than 15,000 doctors have signed a letter urging senators to vote against confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of health and human services.
Concerns Over Anti-Vaccine Views and Conspiracy Theories
The letter, posted online by the Committee to Protect Health Care, a physicians advocacy group, cites Kennedy’s well-documented anti-vaccine views and advocacy, as well as his promotion of disproven treatments for Covid-19. The letter also mentions his baseless claims about a link between school shootings and antidepressants.
Physicians’ Advocacy Group Calls Kennedy "Actively Dangerous"
The letter reads, "The health and well-being of 336 million Americans depend on leadership at HHS that prioritizes science, evidence-based medicine, and strengthening the integrity of our public health system. RFK Jr. is not only unqualified to lead this essential agency — he is actively dangerous."
Kennedy’s Response
Kennedy did not return a request for comment on the letter. His spokesperson, Katie Miller, dismissed the backlash as "just another grift" that would "bilk donors" to advocacy groups.
Campaign Against Kennedy’s Confirmation
The Committee to Protect Health Care has launched a campaign urging health care professionals to contact their senators and the American Medical Association. Other organizations, including Protect Our Care and Community Catalyst, have also spoken out against Kennedy’s selection.
Conclusion
The opposition to Kennedy’s confirmation is a clear indication of the concerns among the medical community about his ability to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The letter and campaign highlight the importance of prioritizing science, evidence-based medicine, and public health in the agency’s leadership.
FAQs
Q: Why are doctors opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services?
A: Doctors are opposing Kennedy’s confirmation due to his anti-vaccine views, promotion of disproven treatments for Covid-19, and baseless claims about a link between school shootings and antidepressants.
Q: What is the Committee to Protect Health Care?
A: The Committee to Protect Health Care is a physicians advocacy group that aims to protect the health and well-being of Americans by promoting evidence-based medicine and public health.
Q: What is the significance of the letter signed by over 15,000 doctors?
A: The letter is a clear indication of the concerns among the medical community about Kennedy’s ability to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and prioritize public health.
Q: What is the response of Kennedy’s spokesperson to the backlash?
A: Kennedy’s spokesperson, Katie Miller, dismissed the backlash as "just another grift" that would "bilk donors" to advocacy groups.
