Lauren Weber, Washington Post health and science reporter, uncovers the influence of the American College of Pediatricians in shaping conservative laws on abortion and trans rights. She delves into their controversial policy positions, gaining access to their internal documents and highlighting the difficulty of finding reliable medical information on gender-affirming care.
The American College of Pediatricians, a small group within the medical community, has gained significant influence in promoting conservative laws restricting trans rights and abortion despite being rejected by the medical establishment.
The American College of Pediatricians has utilized conservative media platforms like Fox News and targeted doctors and legislators in red states to amplify their messaging and affect policy changes.
Deep dives
Influence of the American College of Pediatricians
The American College of Pediatricians, a small and relatively unknown group within the medical community, has garnered significant influence in recent years. Despite having only around 700 members, with approximately 60% identifying as physicians, the group has been successful in promoting its views and affecting policy changes. They have utilized right-wing media platforms like Fox News, conservative news sites, and appeared on shows like Tucker Carlson's, to amplify their messaging. Through lobbying, sending letters, and testifying in front of legislatures, they have successfully advocated for restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, influenced the abortion drug case involving Mifepristone, and affected policies at local levels.
Origins and Evolution of the American College of Pediatricians
Founded in 2002 as a splinter group of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Pediatricians separated due to their opposition to the latter's support of same-sex parenting. The group positioned itself as a Judeo-Christian organization with a focus on family values and the sanctity of life. Initially struggling to gain membership and funding, they faced further challenges when labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2012. However, in recent years, they have gained traction by leveraging conservative media platforms, such as Fox News, and targeting doctors and legislators in red states.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the American College of Pediatricians
While the American College of Pediatricians claims their policy positions are based on medical research and what is best for children, their views often run counter to the broader medical community. Their viewpoints on issues such as conversion therapy and gender-affirming care contradict established scientific consensus. Additionally, their reliance on selective studies and distortion of research has been criticized by prominent figures like NIH Director Francis Collins. The group's relatively small size is striking considering the extent of their influence, with prominent members including hospital division heads and the ability to affect change at the local and national levels.
The American College of Pediatricians has promoted views on abortion and transgender care that have been rejected by the medical establishment. But their views are still shaping conservative laws restricting abortion and trans rights across the country.
How does a small group such as the American College of Pediatricians gain such an outsized influence in conservative statehouses?
Lauren Weber is The Washington Post’s health and science accountability reporter focused on the forces behind medical disinformation. On today’s episode, Weber explains the discoveries from ACP’s internal documents and how it has become a go-to organization for right-wing lawmakers.
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