Over 420 Anti-Science Bills Target Public Health Protections

This year, more than 420 bills attacking essential public health protections have emerged in state legislatures across the United States. The legislation targets key areas such as vaccines, fluoridated water, and milk safety, reflecting a coordinated effort to promote a conspiracy theory-driven agenda. An investigation by the Associated Press reveals that this wave of anti-science legislation is largely supported by individuals closely linked to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long been associated with the anti-vaccine movement.

The introduction of these bills comes at a time when vaccination rates are declining, leading to resurgences of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Approximately 30 bills have already been enacted or adopted in 12 states, with further efforts to strip away public health protections that have been in place for over a century. Activists, often influenced by Trump administration officials, are pushing these measures at the state level, where public health authority primarily resides.

Kennedy’s agenda, branded as “Make America Healthy Again,” seeks to reshape federal health policies surrounding vaccines and fluoride, promoting a narrative that emphasizes “health freedom” while undermining evidence-based science. Critics argue that this movement normalizes dangerous conspiracy theories, endangering public health. “The march of conspiracy thinking from the margins to the mainstream now guiding public policy should be a wake-up call for all Americans,” stated Devin Burghart, president of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights.

The consequences of this anti-science movement are tragically illustrated by the story of the Dahlberg family from Lowell, Indiana. Ashlee and Erik Dahlberg lost their 8-year-old son, Liam, to a vaccine-preventable disease in April. Liam had severe asthma and allergies, and while he was vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the disease claimed his life after he exhibited symptoms for less than two days. The Dahlbergs now live in fear of their remaining children contracting preventable diseases in an environment where vaccination rates are plummeting.

As of now, approximately one in five kindergartners in the Dahlbergs’ county do not meet vaccination requirements. “There’s no pain that is worse than the pain of losing a child,” Ashlee Dahlberg expressed, emphasizing the need for community immunity to protect vulnerable individuals like her children.

The proliferation of anti-vaccine bills is evident, with around 350 bills specifically targeting vaccination. They propose various measures, such as prohibiting discrimination against unvaccinated individuals and creating criminal offenses for vaccine-related harm. Some legislators draw inspiration from other states, with certain bills inaccurately labeling mRNA vaccines as “weapons of mass destruction.”

Experts like Dorit Reiss, a vaccine law scholar at UC Law San Francisco, note that the politicization of vaccines during the pandemic has led to the passage of more extreme legislation. While many of these bills have not passed, at least 26 anti-vaccine laws have been adopted in 11 states this year alone.

The influence of several national groups connected to Kennedy, such as MAHA Action and the National Vaccine Information Center, is significant. These organizations actively oppose science-based legislation, including measures that would strengthen rabies vaccine requirements for pets. The interconnections among these groups indicate a well-organized political operation rather than a grassroots movement.

While Kennedy’s allies claim their agenda is not anti-science, many experts vehemently disagree. The rhetoric surrounding personal freedom and parental rights often masks the real dangers posed by reduced vaccination rates and misinformation. This sentiment is echoed by Rep. Andy Vargas, a Democrat from Massachusetts, who has been advocating for the elimination of religious exemptions from childhood vaccines since 2019. Vargas highlights the importance of collective responsibility in public health, stating, “It’s just part of the social contract.”

The situation is complicated by the ongoing promotion of false narratives surrounding vaccines and other public health measures. Anti-vaccine activists have successfully shifted the conversation, framing their arguments around health freedom and individual choice. This has led to a dangerous environment where misinformation spreads rapidly, undermining decades of public health progress.

The consequences of these legislative efforts are not limited to public health policies; they also affect families across the nation. The Dahlbergs’ experience serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved. Ashlee Dahlberg has initiated a petition aimed at eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations in public schools, driven by the desire to protect her surviving children from the risks posed by unvaccinated individuals.

As debates over public health policies continue, advocates for science-based legislation emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of reduced vaccination rates and weakened health regulations. While many of the anti-science bills have not yet become law, their introduction reflects a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding public health, with potential implications for the safety and well-being of communities across the United States.