Florida's Surgeon General Blames a Debunked Abortion Vaccine Claim to Explain Measles Surge - Gizmodo

What the report says

Gizmodo reported that Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo used a recent press conference about measles outbreaks to raise a disputed claim linking the measles vaccine to abortion. According to the report, Ladapo was discussing cases tied to Ave Maria University, a private Catholic institution in Collier County, and suggested some students may have declined vaccination because of concerns that the vaccine was connected to aborted fetal tissue. He also said he supported measles vaccination.

The article said the claim is misleading. The measles shot is given as part of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Gizmodo noted that current vaccines do not contain fetal cells; the rubella component is produced using cell lines that originated from two abortions in the 1960s, and the final vaccine is purified. The report also cited Catholic Church guidance saying families may use vaccines without alternatives, including MMR, and vaccinate children as recommended.

Gizmodo placed Ladapo’s remarks in the context of a broader measles resurgence. It reported at least 2,318 U.S. cases this year, surpassing last year’s total, and said Florida has recorded at least 141 cases, the fifth-highest number among states. The article said a significant share of Florida’s cases has been linked to Ave Maria University.

The report also reviewed Ladapo’s prior record as Florida’s top health official, including his criticism of vaccine mandates and past statements about Covid-19 vaccines. The issue matters because public messaging from health authorities can affect vaccination decisions during outbreaks of a highly contagious disease.