CDC: Unpublished manuscripts mentioning certain topics must be pulled or revised (insidemedicine.substack.com)

Article summary

The CDC has ordered its scientists to retract or pause publication of research manuscripts that mention certain terms, including 'gender' and 'LGBT', in order to comply with the Trump administration's policies. This move affects not only CDC publications but also manuscripts submitted to external journals. The policy has caused confusion and fear among CDC experts, who are unsure how to interpret the new guidelines. Many studies, including those on Covid-19 and other diseases, may be impacted by the censorship.

Main themes

• CDC censorship
• Trump administration policies
• Scientific freedom
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Government control over science

What commenters say

• The Trump administration's censorship of scientific research is a threat to scientific freedom and progress.
• The ban on certain terms is an over-correction and an attempt to suppress discussion of important issues like gender and LGBTQ+ rights.
• The policy is not necessarily illegal, but it is still a bad idea that will have negative consequences for science and public health.
• The science on gender and sex is more nuanced than a simple binary distinction, and the administration's policies are not supported by evidence.
• Banning words and terms is not an effective way to address complex social and scientific issues, and will likely have unintended consequences.
• The administration's actions are an attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices, rather than a genuine effort to promote scientific integrity.
• The policy will have a chilling effect on researchers and scientists, who will be reluctant to publish their work or speak out against the administration's policies.
• The issue is not just about science, but also about the erosion of democratic values and the suppression of marginalized communities.