When Public Health Becomes Politicized. Issue 5 (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lerner, Barron H.
• Is Part Of: Hastings Center report. Volume 47:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: inside back cover
• Page End: inside back cover
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Medical ethics -- Periodicals; Bioethics -- Periodicals; 174.205
• DOI: 10.1002/hast.758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0093-0334

Abstract

Abstract: Perhaps nothing symbolizes the current polarized political climate in the United States more than the world of public health. Public health schools and health departments are full of "true believers, " people willing to crusade for any program designed to reduce morbidity and mortality. But in the "real world, " proven programs and strategies—such as gun‐control measures, universal vaccination, and improved traffic safety—are routinely thwarted. Why do critics oppose efforts to improve the public's health? History can provide some answers.