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Vaxxed & Answered: The CDC’s Controversial Autism Study
Mar 10, 2025
Ann Flaherty, an ABC News correspondent specializing in federal agencies, dives into the CDC's surprising decision to fund a new study linking childhood vaccines to autism, raising eyebrows amid established scientific consensus. The discussion also tackles the dangers of perpetuating vaccine misinformation, especially as vaccine hesitancy grows. Additionally, Flaherty touches on the escalating violence in Syria, the tragic tales of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy, and the ethical dilemmas of using AI in faith settings.
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Quick takeaways
- The CDC's decision to study vaccines and autism reignites a settled debate, raising concerns about public health and resource allocation.
- The tragic deaths of Gene and Betsy Hackman highlight the risks faced by vulnerable partners dependent on a single caregiver in households.
Deep dives
Government Funding for Controversial Vaccine Study
A new study announced by the CDC will examine potential links between childhood vaccines and autism, reigniting a debate that many in the medical community believe has already been settled. Despite numerous high-quality studies confirming no connection between vaccines and autism, the CDC, now under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will explore this contentious topic. Critics argue that diverting resources to this investigation could hinder the search for other causes of autism, which is on the rise. With measles outbreaks linked to vaccine hesitancy, the decision raises questions about the implications for public health and the scientific community's consensus.
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