Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure with a controversial history, has been nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This nomination has generated significant attention and debate, particularly due to Kennedy's support for alternative medicine and his past HIV-denialism. The Organic and Natural Health Association has endorsed his nomination, while major medical organizations like the American Medical Association and PhRMA have remained notably silent.
Kennedy's nomination has polarized opinions among various groups. His advocates, including the supplement industry and some grassroots supporters, applaud his stance on natural health remedies. At Kennedy's confirmation hearing, Labrada Gore, a 63-year-old mother of four, and Amy Fewell, a homesteader from rural Virginia, expressed their support for his appointment. Gore described childhood illnesses like measles as "natural rites of passage," aligning with Kennedy's alternative health perspective. Fewell echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her family's health despite minimal medical intervention.
“Most of our family hasn’t seen a doctor in over a decade, because we just don’t have to – we’re healthy people,” – Amy Fewell
“Some diseases like measles – they are kind of natural rites of passage, I would say, for children to develop naturally. It’s like a hurdle, and when they do they are stronger afterward,” – Labrada Gore
However, Kennedy's nomination has not been without controversy. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the risk of adverse reactions from the measles vaccine is about one in a million, contrasting sharply with the narrative that vaccines are unnecessary or dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also note that measles can kill between one and two people per 1,000 infected. Despite these statistics, some supporters argue for personal choice in vaccination decisions.
“Just because the science says it’s OK – I still want the option to say no to it … We just don’t believe that’s God’s design for our life.” – Amy Fewell
“My perspective is, and I happen to be a Christian in the south … It is my duty to get vaccinated because I should be helping those who can’t help themselves – those with compromised immune systems or who don’t have the resources to get vaccinated,” – Kristin Matthews
Opposition to Kennedy's nomination is also vocal. Howard, a 57-year-old AIDS patient and activist, attended the hearing to express concerns about Kennedy's qualifications, particularly given his history of HIV-denialism. Critics argue that his views could undermine public health efforts, particularly in vaccination campaigns.
“There is not one senator who believes Robert F Kennedy is qualified to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and no senator should vote for his confirmation.” – Rob Weissman
The debate surrounding Kennedy's nomination highlights broader tensions in American society regarding health care policy, personal freedom, and scientific consensus. The pharmaceutical industry's substantial lobbying efforts, amounting to $293 million in 2024 alone, underscore the stakes involved in health policy leadership. Despite this, Karen Howard of the Organic and Natural Health Association pointed out that no administration has publicly supported their work before.
“No administration has ever publicly supported what we do – ever,” – Karen Howard
Vaccination remains a critical public health issue. The CDC estimates that measles is rarely encountered by Americans today, thanks in large part to vaccination programs that have saved millions of lives globally. The discourse around vaccines often mirrors larger cultural and ideological battles over personal rights versus collective responsibility.
“You can’t be a good Christian and then want to skip out on all vaccines for no reason – if you have a medical reason I completely support it.” – Kristin Matthews