Robert F. Kennedy Jr Says He Pressured CDC to Abandon Vaccine-Autism Stance
In a claim that has reignited vaccine debates, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated he successfully pressured the CDC to retract its position that vaccines don’t cause autism. The controversial assertion, made during a podcast interview, clashes with decades of scientific consensus.
Kennedy’s Controversial Allegation
On his RFK Jr Podcast, the anti-vaccine activist declared:
“I told the CDC, ‘You must stop claiming vaccines don’t cause autism—it’s untrue.’ Eventually, they dropped it.”
Kennedy, leader of Children’s Health Defense, has long promoted debunked theories linking vaccines (especially MMR) to autism. His claims persist despite the retraction of Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent 1998 study and over 1.2 million children studied in a 2019 National Academy of Medicine review.
CDC and Scientists Push Back
The CDC swiftly rejected Kennedy’s statement, reaffirming:
“Vaccines do not cause autism. Our guidance is based on rigorous, global research.”
Experts emphasize Kennedy’s history of spreading misinformation. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine specialist, warned:
“False claims like these endanger public health, fueling outbreaks of preventable diseases.”
Why This Matters in 2024
Kennedy’s remarks arrive amid declining vaccination rates and measles resurgences. His presidential campaign amplifies concerns:
- Political Impact: His anti-vaccine platform attracts fringe supporters but draws bipartisan criticism.
- Public Health Risks: Misinformation threatens herd immunity, endangering children and immunocompromised individuals.
The Bottom Line: Science vs. Misinformation
Decades of peer-reviewed studies confirm no vaccine-autism link. Kennedy’s assertions lack evidence, yet his influence highlights the ongoing challenge of combating health misinformation.
Stay informed with fact-checked reporting at NextMinuteNews.com.
