White House drafts executive order on vaccines and autism

The White House is drafting an executive order focused on vaccines and autism, a move that could reignite a long-settled scientific debate as early as next week. According to multiple reports citing unnamed officials, the order is still taking shape but is expected to address the childhood vaccine schedule and autism research, driven by President Donald Trump's personal interest in the issue.

The potential action comes despite decades of scientific consensus that there is no link between childhood vaccines and autism. Numerous large-scale studies involving millions of children worldwide have consistently found no credible evidence of such a connection. The discredited claim originated from a fraudulent study that was retracted years ago, and its author lost his medical license. Leading medical groups and autism advocacy organizations have repeatedly rejected pursuing the disproven link, arguing it distracts from finding real causes and treatments.

Administration officials defended the effort as a commitment to rigorous science and addressing parental concerns. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated the president has been clear that America must have the best childhood vaccine...