1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The president's proposed "Make America Healthy Again" commission promotes the harmful and unethical eugenic ideal of eliminating or preventing the existence of certain groups of people, including autistic individuals and those with disabilities or chronic health conditions. This is antithetical to American values of diversity, inclusion, and equal rights. Framing autism as a disease to be cured or prevented reflects an ignorant and dehumanizing view of neurodivergence as something abnormal rather than a natural part of human variation. The commission's plans to research debunked claims of autism being caused by vaccines or medication are unscientific and put public health at risk by undermining trust in proven treatments and preventative care. Instead of perpetuating pseudoscience and discrimination, the administration should listen to the autism and disability communities' calls for policies upholding our civil rights, improving access to healthcare and accommodations, and promoting equity. Eugenics has no place in American society.