Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Becomes Head of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as head of Health and Human services on Feb. 13. Throughout his political career, he has been scrutinized by both political parties. The vote was 52 to 48, with Senator Mitch McConnell being the only Republican to vote against Kennedy. 

Many scientists and medical professionals are concerned due to Kennedy’s lack of experience within the science and healthcare fields. 

Dr. Michelle Louch, assistant professor of Healthcare Management, said, “It’s going to be a wild ride. I’m hoping the worst isn’t going to happen.”

According to NPR, Kennedy is one of the United States largest vaccine opponents, though he claims he is not anti-vaccine. He claims that the link between autism and vaccines has not been fully debunked and believes that the science behind vaccines needs to be improved. 

Dr. Louch said, “I would trust the science. These vaccines have been around for decades and we have enough evidence to prove that they are safe. There are risks to any vaccine, but none that outweigh the rewards.”

Kennedy spoke in his confirmation hearing about how he knows the health agencies from a unique perspective. He has no medical background, but has won many lawsuits against healthcare agencies, including Merck, one of the creators of the vaccine that helps prevent Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

According to Dr. Louch, those lawsuits have many people worried that there is conflict of interest between what’s good for Kennedy and what is good for the public. Such a conflict of interest, Dr. Louch explained, could have a detrimental impact on the health of Americans. 

Kennedy has also made claims about how Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are harder to quit than heroin. There is no scientific proof behind this claim and many people rely on these medications to live a normal and healthy life, according to Dr. Louch.

It is unclear what Kennedy may do moving forward, but scientists and medical professionals are worried about the effects his actions might have on them and the health of the American people. 

Dr. Louch said, “We have to look at his actions rather than his words. He has the potential to create a lot of distrust in science.”