CDC Revives Debunked Vaccine-Autism Claims: RFK Jr. Must Resign

The CDC’s plan to study vaccines and autism is a dangerous step backward that legitimizes a long-debunked conspiracy theory (Reuters, March 7, 2025). Decades of scientific research have found no link between vaccines and autism, yet revisiting this falsehood will only fuel misinformation and erode public trust in vaccination programs. This decision wastes resources and plays directly into the hands of anti-vaccine activists who have already caused significant harm through their disinformation campaigns. Vaccine skepticism has led to deadly outbreaks, including the recent Texas measles crisis, which resulted in over 200 cases and two deaths (Reuters, Feb. 27, 2025). Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now in a position of public health leadership, has a well-documented history of spreading vaccine misinformation. His recent comments promoting unproven treatments over vaccines further endanger public health (The Guardian, March 4, 2025). Allowing such figures to influence policy ensures that preventable diseases will continue to spread, endangering lives and reversing decades of public health progress. Kennedy must be removed immediately. His continued promotion of disproven theories and undermining of science-based health measures make him unfit for office. Leadership in public health must be grounded in evidence, not conspiracy. The CDC should focus on combating real threats, not reviving discredited claims that only serve to spread distrust and disinformation (The Times, March 2025).