1776Reporting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been directed to withdraw scientific research papers that include terms such as “LGBT,” “pregnant people,” “transgender,” and “immigrant,” according to a report from The New York Times.
An internal email from Sam Posner, the CDC’s associate director for science, instructed researchers to pull any pending publications that “promote or inculcate gender ideology or that have been flagged as at risk for such.” The email also provided a template for researchers to use when requesting removal of their work, citing a recent executive order titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. The suggested language for withdrawal reads:
“Consistent with the President’s Executive Order titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, I am removing myself as a coauthor from this submission.”
This directive has raised concerns among public health experts who fear that limiting language in scientific research could undermine critical studies on marginalized groups, reproductive health, and health disparities.
Public Health Resources Disappear
In addition to the research purge, several health-related webpages have vanished since the Trump administration took office. Topics affected include HIV, transgender health, contraception, and broader health disparities. On Saturday, a group of CDC advisers issued a letter demanding an explanation for the removals, requesting a response by February 7.
“As far as we are aware, these unprecedented actions have yet to be explained by CDC,” the letter states.
Health professionals worry that erasing information from public access could harm efforts to address ongoing health challenges, especially in communities already facing barriers to care.
Federal Health Agencies Silenced
Reports also indicate that federal health agencies have been placed under strict communication restrictions. According to a memo obtained by NPR, health agencies were instructed to pause external communications, including issuing documents, public guidance, or social media updates, unless explicitly approved by a presidential appointee.
While the initial directive was described as a “short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization,” according to a CDC spokesperson, it has since been extended indefinitely. The New York Times reported that an additional email confirmed the extension, sparking concerns over transparency and public health messaging.
Impact on Public Health
These restrictions come at a time when open communication is vital. Public health experts warn that limiting research and restricting agency communications could have real-world consequences, especially amid concerns about the spread of bird flu and other health crises.
Experts argue that public trust in health institutions depends on transparency and access to accurate information. With scientific studies being withdrawn and vital health resources disappearing, critics worry that political interference could undermine the CDC’s mission to protect public health.
The situation remains fluid, with health professionals and advocacy groups closely monitoring developments. Whether the CDC will respond to the growing criticism remains to be seen.
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