Florida Surgeon General Ties 141 Measles Cases to Debunked Abortion Vaccine Claim
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 29
Florida Surgeon General Ties 141 Measles Cases to Debunked Abortion Vaccine Claim
2 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 29
Summary
Joseph Ladapo said some Ave Maria University students may have skipped the MMR shot because it was linked to abortion, invoking a claim long used by anti-vaccine activists.
No current vaccine contains fetal cells, and the rubella component is made from virus grown in cell lines derived from two 1960s abortions, with purification removing any residual material.
The Catholic Church still backs use of the MMR vaccine when no alternative exists; 2017 Vatican guidance said families can vaccinate with a “clear conscience.”
Florida has reported at least 141 measles cases this year, while the U.S. total has reached 2,318, already above last year and likely enough to end the country's measles-free status.
Ladapo has repeatedly drawn criticism for vaccine misinformation, including a 2025 push to scrap Florida school vaccine mandates that has so far stalled.