In 2025, over 420 anti-science bills targeting public health measures, particularly vaccines, milk safety, and fluoride, have been introduced in U.S. state legislatures, largely propelled by connections to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This push aims to dismantle century-old health protections under the guise of a “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, which promotes conspiracy-driven beliefs about health. As vaccination rates decline, preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough are resurfacing.
The article highlights the experiences of the Dahlberg family, who lost their 8-year-old son Liam to a vaccine-preventable disease. Their story emphasizes the consequences of falling vaccination rates and the emotional pain of losing a child due to public health failures.
Experts warn that the normalization of conspiracy theories in public policy poses serious risks, with over 350 anti-vaccine bills introduced. Some bills seek to ban mRNA vaccines, falsely designating them as dangerous. The movement has gained strength, leveraging political connections and grassroots campaigns to push forward legislation that threatens well-established public health measures.
Kennedy’s allies argue against characterizations of their agenda as anti-science, despite widespread expert disagreement. Moreover, these groups actively oppose science-based legislation, reflecting a growing influence in state politics. Many bills also aim to roll back fluoride regulation and promote raw milk consumption, further showcasing the intertwining of conspiracy thinking with legislative initiatives.
The article concludes with the challenges faced by advocates for sound public health policies, urging collective responsibility and raising concerns about individual choices that adversely affect community health. The voices of families like the Dahlbergs underscore the urgent need for robust public health measures to protect future generations.
