Advocacy Group Warns RFK Jr. Is a ‘Threat to Public Health’

A new report by Protect Our Care, a left-leaning advocacy organization, has labeled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a serious risk to the nation’s health system.

The report, based on Kennedy’s own statements and various news sources, warns that his appointment as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary could have dire consequences for public health.

Kennedy, known for his controversial stance on vaccines, has long propagated false claims linking the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism—a theory that has been thoroughly discredited by scientists.

His vocal skepticism of vaccines has placed him at the forefront of anti-vaccine movements, which health experts argue have contributed to declining vaccination rates and outbreaks of preventable diseases.

If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee critical health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These institutions are responsible for approving vaccines, advising the public on health measures, and responding to disease outbreaks. Critics worry that Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and lack of qualifications could undermine public trust in these agencies and disrupt their essential operations.

The report from Protect Our Care describes Kennedy as “a leading vaccine skeptic” with no relevant experience to lead the federal health department.

Furthermore, it highlights his history of “erratic and bizarre behavior,” attributing some of it to alleged parasitic brain worms and mercury poisoning—a claim that adds to the controversy surrounding him.

One of Kennedy’s proposed policies, as noted in the report, includes pausing infectious disease research and reallocating funds toward studying chronic diseases.

This shift in focus, critics argue, could weaken the country’s ability to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks, such as pandemics.

Protect Our Care has been a vocal advocate for safeguarding Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, as well as fighting against efforts to roll back health-related provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Recently, the group has intensified its focus on Kennedy, particularly following his endorsement by former President Donald Trump for the HHS position.

“People will lose their lives with RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary,” said Brad Woodhouse, the executive director of Protect Our Care, in a strongly worded statement. “Make no mistake: RFK Jr. is a MAGA loyalist who has no problem being Trump’s puppet. Kennedy’s long history of spreading misinformation has had deadly consequences, and in a position like HHS secretary, the damage would be insurmountable.”

The organization’s report serves as a stark warning about the potential implications of Kennedy’s appointment.

With his track record of promoting scientifically unsupported theories and his proposed redirection of critical health resources, Protect Our Care argues that his leadership could jeopardize public health and safety, further exacerbating challenges within the nation’s healthcare system.