Did the U.S. government really ban the CDC from using certain words?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alarmed because they were informed they should no longer use certain words in their publications. These words include fetus, science-based, transgender, diversity, entitlement, vulnerable, and evidence-based.
A CDC official has confirmed that the organization was given "feedback" from the United States government about reconsidering using certain words in draft budget documentation. But she wasn't sure if there were any specific ban on those seven words. She chose to speak out anonymously, claiming she wasn't authorized to speak about the situation.
A spokesman from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that it's a mischaracterization to say the CDC was actually "banned" from using those words. However, HHS officials wouldn't elaborate or address any more questions.
The CDC Director, Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, stated in an e-mail to employees that the CDC remains committed to public health as a science-based and evidence-based institution.
The CDC is based in Atlanta and is responsible for responding to infectious disease outbreaks like Zika and Ebola. They also track a wide range of chronic diseases. The institution has had a great reputation for decades and is a valuable source of scientific data.
Since Donald Trump became President, a number of government agencies have started to downscale scientific data collection on a wide range of topics including climate change and homeless people that also identify as LGBTQ+. They have also started removing information about these topics from many government websites.
Will the CDC go along with the suggestion to not use these words? The agency is in a difficult position. The White House and some Republican lawmakers have already proposed dramatic cuts to the agency's budget.
One health leader from a different organization said the CDC ban on these words might not be limited to budget documents. He claimed two CDC employees said they have been told not to use the term "health equity" in public talks. Health equity is a term that refers to removing obstacles (like racism and poverty) to ensure everyone has equal access to health care. "Everybody's afraid to do their job right now," he said.
However, another CDC employee stated she is not aware of any official policy that prevents the CDC from saying "health equity" or any other words.
Source: ABC News