More than 17,000 doctors call on the Senate to reject President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal choosing to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In a letter posted online by the Committee to Protect Health Care, a physician organization that advocates on health policy issues, thousands of physicians urged senators to reject Kennedy’s nomination, saying he is “not qualified to lead to give” and is “actively dangerous”.
“This appointment is a slap in the face to every healthcare professional who has worked their entire lives to protect patients from preventable illness and death,” the letter said. “Americans deserve better.”
The letter is part of a broader campaign to mobilize opposition to Kennedy’s nomination. In November, the American Public Health Association said Kennedy lacked the “training, management skills, temperament and public trust” to lead the department. Former Vice President Mike Pence has done so too criticized his former boss’s concerns about his stance on abortion-related policies.
Kennedy has a history of public criticism of vaccinesincluding spreading false and misleading claims about their safety. He has also argued that federal inaction has exacerbated a host of health problems, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorders, infertility rates, diabetes and obesity, often focusing on concerns about food additives and pesticide use.
“RFK Jr. has spent decades undermining public confidence in vaccines by spreading false claims and conspiracy theories,” the letter said.
“As physicians, we are outraged by this appointment and call on the Senate to take immediate action,” it continues. “Reject the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and demand qualified leadership at HHS that prioritizes science, protecting public health and the well-being of all Americans. The health and safety of our nation depend on it.”
