Children's Health Defense

Children's Health Defense
Formation2007 (2007)
FounderEric Gladen
Founded atWashington, D.C.
TypeAdvocacy group
Location
  • Franklin Lakes, NJ
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Holland
Chief Operating Officer
Kraig Makohus
Chief Financial Officer
Doug Kissell
Websitechildrenshealthdefense.org
Formerly called
World Mercury Project

Children's Health Defense (CHD) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit activist group mainly known for anti-vaccine advocacy and is one of the main sources of misinformation on vaccines.[1][2][3][4][5] Founded as World Mercury Project in 2007 by Eric Gladen, it was chaired by lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from 2015 to 2023.[6]

The group has campaigned against various public health programs, such as vaccination and fluoridation of drinking water.[7] The group has contributed to vaccine hesitancy in the United States, encouraging citizens and legislators to support anti-vaccine regulations and legislation,[8][9] although arguments against vaccination are contradicted by general scientific consensus.[10][11][12][13]

The group's US$15-million budget is funded through donations from individuals (both directly and anonymized through foundations) and affiliate marketing revenues.

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  6. ^ 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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  10. ^ "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.
  11. ^ "Why do some people oppose vaccination?". Vox. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  12. ^ Ceccarelli L. "Defending science: How the art of rhetoric can help". The Conversation. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  13. ^ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Vaccines.gov". Vaccines.gov. Retrieved August 5, 2018.