RFK Jr. Abruptly Withdraws from Estonian Vaccine Skeptics Conference Amid Controversy

RFK Jr.'s Withdrawal from Estonian Vaccine Skeptics Conference Marks End to Controversy TALLINN, Estonia (AP) - In a sudden turn of events, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew as the keynote speaker for an Estonian conference promoting vaccine skepticism, following reports that Estonian politicians had labeled him a "quack" and "cuckoo." According to organizers, Kennedy was set to appear remotely at the European Conference of Health and Human Rights, hosted by the Estonian chapter of the World Council for Health (WCH), a group known for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 treatments. However, after two Members of Parliament from the Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) publicly denounced Kennedy, organizers announced his withdrawal. "We were excited to have Secretary Kennedy share his expertise with our audience," said Kristjan Vassiljev, a spokesperson for the World Council for Health Estonia. "However, we respect the opinions of all parties involved and have decided to proceed without him." The controversy surrounding Kennedy's involvement began when Estonian Public Broadcasting reported that the conference was initially scheduled to be held at the Riigikogu, the country's parliamentary building. EKRE Members of Parliament, who had been critical of the event, reportedly called for its cancellation. "This is a clear example of how misinformation and pseudoscience can lead to harm," said Dr. Tanel Kiik, an Estonian MP from the Center Party. "We cannot allow such events to take place on our soil." The World Council for Health has been at the center of controversy in recent months, promoting unproven treatments for COVID-19, including ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. Background The European Conference of Health and Human Rights was scheduled to take place from Thursday to Saturday. Organizers had touted Kennedy's appearance as a major draw, with promotional materials highlighting his "expertise" on vaccine safety. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccines and has promoted conspiracy theories about their safety. His involvement in the conference sparked concerns among public health experts and medical professionals. Additional Perspectives Dr. Päivi Sillanpää, an Estonian pediatrician and expert on infectious diseases, expressed concern about the impact of such events on public health. "It's alarming to see how misinformation can spread so quickly," she said. "We need to rely on scientific evidence and expert advice, not pseudoscience and conspiracy theories." Current Status The conference is proceeding without Kennedy as keynote speaker. Organizers have announced a new lineup of speakers, including experts in the field of public health. As for Kennedy's involvement, his office has declined to comment on the matter. In related news, the Estonian government has announced plans to launch an awareness campaign aimed at combating misinformation about COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. *Reporting by Motherjones.*