Dr. Jay Naliboff, a retired OB-GYN with a commitment to women’s health, expresses grave concerns about the nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton as FDA commissioner. In light of recent health crises, including measles outbreaks and food recalls, Dr. Naliboff emphasizes the need for FDA leadership grounded in science and impartiality.
He urges Sen. Susan Collins to oppose Overton’s nomination, citing her vocal opposition to school vaccine mandates and her support for changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, particularly the MMR vaccine. This undermining of vaccine confidence is particularly troubling as public health efforts aim to restore trust in vaccination amidst rising measles threats.
Naliboff also highlights Overton’s controversial positions on abortion, including her celebration of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and her advocacy for restrictions on medication abortion. Given the FDA’s ongoing re-review of mifepristone, he cautions that an anti-abortion commissioner could negatively impact access to this safe medication.
Dr. Naliboff criticizes Sen. Collins for her previous votes aligned with anti-abortion and anti-vaccine figures, warning that this has contributed to a decline in vaccination rates and increased risks to public health. He asserts that for the sake of reproductive rights, vaccine uptake, and the overall health of Mainers, Collins must reject Dr. Overton’s nomination.
