Children's Health Defense

For the children's rights and educational non-profit, see Children's Defense Fund.

Children's Health Defense
Formation2007; 17 years ago (2007)
FounderEric Gladen
Founded atWashington, D.C.
TypeAdvocacy group
Location
Chairman
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
On leave since April 2023
Vice Chairman
J.B. Handley
Brian Hooker, Katie Wright, Mary Holland, Terena Thyne Eisner
Websitechildrenshealthdefense.org
Formerly called
World Mercury Project
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Children's Health Defense (CHD) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit activist group mainly known for anti-vaccine disinformation, and which has been called one of the main sources of misinformation on vaccines.[1][2][3][4][5] Founded under the name World Mercury Project in 2007, it is chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.[6][7] The group has been campaigning against various public health programs, such as vaccination and fluoridation of drinking water.[8] The group has been contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the United States, encouraging citizens and legislators to support anti-vaccine regulations and legislation.[9][10] Arguments against vaccination are contradicted by overwhelming scientific consensus about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.[11][12][13][14] Its $15-million budget is funded through donations from individuals (both directly and anonymized through foundations) and affiliate marketing revenues.

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  7. ^ Smith, Michelle R. (December 15, 2021). "How a Kennedy built an anti-vaccine juggernaut amid COVID-19". Associated Press (AP). Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
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  11. ^ "Communicating science-based messages on vaccines". Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 95 (10): 670–71. October 2017. doi:10.2471/BLT.17.021017. PMC 5689193. PMID 29147039.
  12. ^ "Why do some people oppose vaccination?". Vox. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  13. ^ Ceccarelli L. "Defending science: How the art of rhetoric can help". The Conversation. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  14. ^ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Vaccines.gov". Vaccines.gov. Retrieved August 5, 2018.