Surgeon General suggests high measles counts could be tied to abortion opposition - Florida Phoenix

What the report says

Florida Phoenix reported that Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said Friday in Orlando that the state’s high measles count might be partly connected to abortion-related objections to the measles vaccine, because many cases were associated with Ave Maria University, a private Roman Catholic college in Collier County. Federal figures cited by the outlet showed Florida had 141 confirmed measles cases as of July 23, the fifth-highest total among states, with 93 reported in Collier County.

Asked at a press conference what he would tell families about rising infections, Ladapo first responded sarcastically about everyone needing vaccination, then pointed to cases at Ave Maria. He said he was unsure whether some students may have declined the vaccine because of its historical link to fetal cell lines originating from elective abortions in the 1960s. Florida Phoenix noted that no new fetal tissue is needed to manufacture the vaccines today. The university did not immediately respond to the outlet’s request for comment.

The report also cited Catholic guidance relevant to the issue: the Pontifical Academy for Life said in 2017 that Catholic parents could vaccinate their children with a clear conscience for the welfare of children and the wider community. Public health authorities say measles is highly contagious, can linger in the air after an infected person leaves, and is best prevented through the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

The comments come amid broader debate in Florida over vaccine policy. Ladapo and Gov. Ron DeSantis previously backed removing vaccine mandates from state law, while an American Medical Association leader urged families Friday to get vaccinated as measles cases rise.