AP Investigates: Kennedy's Ties Weaken US Health Policies
A team of Associated Press journalists has uncovered a significant influence on US health policies, with four national groups linked to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating for changes in public health laws. Their investigation, paired with a personal story, has won 'Best of AP - First Winner' for shedding light on the MAHA movement's reach and its potential impacts.
The team, led by Laura Ungar and Michelle Smith, discovered over 400 state bills that could weaken protections on vaccines, fluoride, and milk safety. Their main article paired these findings with the story of an Indiana couple who lost their 8-year-old son to a vaccine-preventable disease.
Mary Conlon produced two video pieces, and data journalist Kasturi Pananjady created interactive websites to visualize legislative trends. The reporters found no publicly confirmed national teams directly dependent on Kennedy, but his influence is evident in the dismissal of the ACIP vaccine panel and the promotion of vaccine hesitancy. This has led to public debates and legal actions, such as Texas' lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies.
The investigation highlights the potential risks to public health from these legislative changes. It also sheds light on the profit motives behind the MAHA movement's influence on state laws. The team's work serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based policies in protecting public health.
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