A medical advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against U.S. health agencies after they removed several websites containing vital public health data. The removal followed an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at reducing “gender ideology extremism.” The group, Doctors for America, claims the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed important resources.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., federal court, targets the CDC for taking down pages about youth behavioral health risks, HIV data, and HIV testing resources. These pages, according to the group, are crucial for understanding public health issues and guiding medical professionals.
In addition, the FDA removed content that recommended better inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials. Doctors for America argues that this limits researchers’ ability to access important data needed to improve healthcare practices and policies.
The group is calling for the court to order the restoration of the removed websites and to rule that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s memorandum, which directed the removal of these materials, was beyond the agency’s authority.
The lawsuit names the CDC, FDA, and the Department of Health and Human Services as defendants. Neither the CDC nor HHS has commented, and the FDA and OPM have not responded to inquiries.
Doctors for America was founded by key health leaders, including Dr. Vivek Murthy, Dr. Mandy Cohen, and Dr. Alice Chen.
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