Article shared by John Gilmartin
The lead editorial for this week's Lancet. Issued today
John
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Summary
The Lancet strongly criticizes Donald Trump's administration for implementing policies that significantly harm public health both in the United States and globally. It highlights key decisions such as the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Agreement, the shutdown of USAID programs, and a freeze on $3 trillion in federal grants and loans, which jeopardized Medicaid and halted global health initiatives.
Additionally, research institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) faced severe restrictions, including stop-work orders and communications blackouts. This led to the suppression of health data, including the first non-publication of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in 60 years. The administration also restricted the use of certain terms like "gender," "transgender," and "LGBT" in official documents, affecting research and free speech.
The reinstatement of the Mexico City policy—which blocks US funding for organizations providing abortion-related services—further undermined women’s reproductive health and rights. The 90-day freeze on foreign aid, including critical HIV prevention programs, led to clinic closures, job losses, and direct harm to patients relying on these services. The article also condemns Elon Musk’s statements about USAID, calling them misleading and harmful.
The piece warns that these actions threaten decades of progress in global health, disease control, and health equity, particularly for marginalized populations. However, it also urges the scientific and medical communities to stand up and fight back, emphasizing that civil society, journalists, and some members of Congress have already begun pushing back on these harmful policies.
Ultimately, the article frames Trump’s policies as an attack on public health, medical research, and global cooperation, urging collective resistance and reaffirming The Lancet’s commitment to holding the administration accountable.
Key quotes
“Trump's actions are a particular attack on women's health, notably sexual and reproductive health and rights.”Reproductive healthcare, including access to contraception and abortion, was significantly undermined.
“The past 3 weeks have generated much anger, fear, and sorrow—but it is no time for panic.”Despite widespread concern, the medical and scientific communities were urged to remain focused and take action.
“The Lancet will be a focal point of accountability over the next 4 years, monitoring and reviewing the actions of the US Government and the consequences of its decisions for health.”
“Trump's actions are a particular attack on women's health, notably sexual and reproductive health and rights.”Reproductive healthcare, including access to contraception and abortion, was significantly undermined.
“The past 3 weeks have generated much anger, fear, and sorrow—but it is no time for panic.”Despite widespread concern, the medical and scientific communities were urged to remain focused and take action.
“The Lancet will be a focal point of accountability over the next 4 years, monitoring and reviewing the actions of the US Government and the consequences of its decisions for health.”
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