Louisiana Surgeon General Facing Scrutiny as Biden Administration Considers Him for Key CDC Post
WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is reportedly considering Dr. Benjamin Abraham, the current Louisiana State Health Officer and Surgeon General, for a leadership role at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a move that is drawing scrutiny from public health advocates and raising questions about his handling of public health crises and past political stances.
Abraham’s potential appointment comes as the CDC seeks to restore public trust following criticisms of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However,concerns are mounting over instances during his tenure in Louisiana where critics allege delayed responses to outbreaks and the promotion of unproven treatments,alongside politically charged campaigns during a previous gubernatorial bid. The selection process is ongoing, and no final decision has been made.
According to a memo obtained by the Associated Press, Abraham is under consideration for a senior position within the CDC. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. while flu activity is currently low, Louisiana is reporting the highest levels of flu-like illnesses in the country, according to the CDC’s latest flu report.
In the past year, the Louisiana department of Health, led by Abraham, waited several months after two infant deaths from whooping cough before formally alerting the public to a statewide rise in cases. Additionally, Abraham publicly touted the drug leucovorin as a promising treatment for some children with autism, despite limited evidence supporting its broad benefits. He shared a link to an NBC News article about the drug on X, formerly known as twitter.
During his 2019 campaign for Louisiana governor, Abraham released television advertisements targeting abortion rights and the transgender community, signaling a departure from traditionally non-partisan public health messaging. Thes ads took aim at abortion rights and the transgender community.
Erika Edwards of NBC News reported this story, with contributions from Pilar Melendez.
