More than 15,000 doctors have signed a letter addressed to the Senate urging the legislature to vote against confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The health and well-being of 336 million Americans depend on leadership at HHS that prioritizes science, evidence-based medicine, and strengthening the integrity of our public health system,” the letter reads. “RFK Jr. is not only unqualified to lead this essential agency — he is actively dangerous.”
The letter, published online by the Committee to Protect Health Care, cites numerous instances in which RFK Jr. voiced statements or beliefs incompatible with legitimate medical practice. These include unsubstantiated beliefs that accused vaccines are linked to autism and anti-depressants are linked to school shootings, reported NBC News.
Kennedy was nominated for the Secretary of Health position by President-elect Donald Trump in November 2024. He has been meeting with senators in advance of his confirmation hearing.
“This appointment is a slap in the face to every health care professional who has spent their lives working to protect patients from preventable illness and death,” the letter continued.
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be confirmed and those who are spending their time undermining him will have no place and no voice at HHS,” Katie Miller, Kennedy’s spokesperson within the Trump transition team, told NBC News. “Good luck and best wishes to them.”
Kennedy has received criticism from other groups and institutions for his beliefs regarding medicine. Health care consumer advocacy group Community Catalyst said that Kennedy was a “wholly unqualified and a dangerous pick.” Furthermore, the nonprofit consumer rights group Public Citizen stated that Kennedy would “endanger people’s lives if placed in a position of authority over health.”
Originally published by Latin Times.
