More than 420 anti-science bills related to public health protections like vaccinations, milk safety, and fluoride have emerged across U.S. state legislatures this year. These bills are part of a politically organized agenda to introduce conspiracy-driven legislation, heavily influenced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and allies. Approximately 30 of these bills have already been enacted in 12 states.
The wave of legislation is motivated by anti-vaccine sentiments and aims to erode a century’s worth of health protections, posing risks to public health by allowing diseases like measles and whooping cough to resurge. Experts warn that such policies, framed as “health freedom,” could lead to increased mortality.
The anti-science legislation includes measures targeting vaccine mandates, fluoride in drinking water, and raw milk sales. Notably, 350 anti-vaccine bills are the most common, many inspired by the politicization of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some bills have been stalled or rejected, 26 anti-vaccine measures have already passed in various states.
The movement has gained traction through a network of groups tied to Kennedy, which mobilizes support for anti-science legislation, often using discredited conspiracy theories. This has alarmed public health advocates, who stress that misinformation can significantly impact community health, as illustrated by the personal tragedy of the Dahlberg family, who lost their son to a preventable disease due to decreased vaccination rates.
Overall, the rise of these anti-science bills represents a concerning trend that not only seeks to reshape health policies but also reflects a broader acceptance of conspiracy theories in American political discourse.
