HHS plan to use Medicare and Medicaid data to study autism alarms experts
NBCMAY 5
HHS Launches Autism Database Project
Above: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on May 5, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The database represents a crucial scientific initiative to understand autism's complex causes, which will improve patient care through comprehensive data analysis and provide parents with the answers they desperately need. This research platform will enable groundbreaking insights into diagnosis patterns, treatment outcomes, and health care disparities while maintaining strict privacy protections.
Narrative B
The database project lacks transparency, overlooks established genetic research, and raises serious privacy concerns for the autism community. Without clear safeguards or input from affected individuals, this initiative could lead to discrimination and discourage people from seeking diagnosis or treatment. This is without mentioning that the project is being spearheaded by RFK Jr., who may misuse this data to fuel his fanatical anti-vax agenda.