Political Interference with Science

• Political interference with science involves manipulating or distorting scientific evidence/findings for political advantage or to back a specific policy.

Ways Political Interference Occurs

• Suppressing scientific research or data.
• Censoring scientific publications.
• Appointing unqualified individuals to scientific positions.
• Deliberately choosing scientific evidence that reinforces a predetermined stance.

Consequences of Political Interference

• Undermines the reliability of scientific research.
• Can lead to policies NOT based on solid evidence.
• Can negatively impact public health, the environment, and society's well-being.

Policies for Independent Research

• It is important to promote scientific integrity.
• Ensure that scientific research is conducted without political interference.
• Protect the independence of scientific research.
• Increase transparency in scientific decision-making.
• Ensure scientific findings are not suppressed/censored for political reasons.

Examples of Political Interference

COVID-19 Pandemic

• Some governments minimized the virus's severity and disregarded scientific evidence to prevent panic or negative impacts.
• Some leaders promoted unverified treatments and prevented public health officials from speaking out.

Climate Change

• Many governments were slow to act on climate change risks.
• This happens due to pressure from fossil fuel companies, which delays the implementation of effective policies.

Vaccinations

• Politicians/interest groups have spread misinformation/opposed vaccination programs for political/ideological reasons.
• This occurs even though vaccines are safe and effective.

Environmental Health

• Interference can occur on issues like air/water pollution, food safety, or hazardous substance exposure.
• Governments sometimes ignore/downplay health risks from industry or interest group pressure.

Public Health Authorities

• Governments must organize community efforts to protect its population's health.
• Many other organizations and community groups participate.
• This role is determined by law
• Public health law's written statements come from all 3 government branches: federal, state, and local.

Federalism

• Federal laws apply to everyone throughout the United States
• State laws apply to people who are citizens, residents, or visitors to that particular state
• Local laws apply to people who are citizens, residents, or visitors to that particular locality

NGOs (Nongovernmental Organizations)

• NGOs have an important role in public health through educational programs and lobbying.
• NGOs are NOT part of a government or a conventional for-profit business.
• There is now more emphasis on community involvement.
• This involvement helps in public health planning/generating support and participation in public health activities.
• This will expand the public health system to include hospitals, businesses, charitable and religious organizations.

Federal vs State Authority

• The U.S. Constitution does not directly address health.
• Public health is mainly the states' responsibility.
• Most state constitutions ensure public health protection.
• States had health laws even before the Constitution.
• Responsibility for some public health activities may be delegated by the state to local governments.

State Laws

• States have mandates to collect data about the population.
• States require children to be immunized before school entry.
• States regulate the environment for sanitation purposes.
• States regulate safety.

Federal Role in Public Health

• The federal government has authority to regulate interstate commerce and collect taxes.
• The federal government is responsible "to provide for the common defense and the general welfare".
• The federal role in public health is to provide general welfare.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

• The interstate commerce provision is the basis for the FDA.
• FDA regulates foods, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics (mostly distributed across state lines).

Federal Influence Over State Health Programs: Helmet Laws

• In 1967, the federal government mandated that states with motorcyclist helmet laws would receive highway construction funds.
• By 1975, 47 states had these laws, decreasing motorcyclist deaths by 30% in those states.

Federal Influence Over State Health Programs: Medicaid

• Medicaid, a program providing healthcare for the poor, shows federal influence over state health programs.
• The federal government funds 65% of Medicaid while states/counties administer the program and fund the rest.
• States must follow Congress' guidelines to receive federal funds.

Returning Power to the States

• Post-World War II, the federal government increased its role in public health.
• The 1980s saw a movement in the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court to reduce government regulation and give powers back to the states.
• By 1980, 27 states repealed helmet laws, leading to a 38% increase in motorcycle deaths in those states.

How the Law Works

• Police powers are used to prevent people from harming others.
• Police powers are also used to protect the interests of incompetent people like children or the mentally disabled.
• Police powers are used to protect a person from harming themselves.

Example: Vaccine Mandate

• The Massachusetts legislature required all adults to be vaccinated against smallpox.
• A man who refused was taken to court on the grounds it infringed personal liberty.
• The Supreme Court upheld the state's right to restrict individual freedom for "the common good".

Statutes and Court Decisions

• A legislature passes a statute at any government level, perceiving a need.
• The statute can be challenged in court, and the decision can be appealed to a higher court.
• Generally, a state court may overturn a local law or court decision on constitutional issues.
• A federal court may overturn a state law or court decision.