Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces backlash for praising unconventional healers after a child's measles death, while also promoting the MMR vaccine. The conflicting messages highlight the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attendance at the Texas funeral of an unvaccinated child who died from measles has ignited controversy. Following the funeral, Kennedy lauded two physicians, Richard Bartlett and Ben Edwards, who have unorthodox approaches to treating measles, including the use of vitamins and cod liver oil. Bartlett has a history of disciplinary action by the Texas Medical Board for inappropriate medication use, and both he and Edwards advocate for treatments not widely accepted by the medical community. Kennedy's promotion of these practitioners, while simultaneously advocating for the MMR vaccine, has drawn criticism for its mixed messaging. The measles outbreak, which has claimed at least three lives, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy, further fueled by Kennedy's long-standing questioning of vaccine safety. The high vaccine exemption rate in the affected area highlights the complex factors contributing to the outbreak.
