Why Can’t We Talk About It? The Disappointing Reality of Health Conversation Today

As a parent, provider, and advocate for informed choice, I find it deeply disappointing—and even concerning—that we can’t have honest, open conversations about something as foundational as our children’s health—especially when it comes to vaccines and medical schedules.

In today’s climate, raising even the most respectful question often lands you in one of two camps: pro-vaccine or anti-vaccine. You’re either “for science” or you’re labeled a “dangerous skeptic.”

But real science? It doesn’t work like that.


Science Is Not Static—And It’s Not Political
True science is a process, not a belief system. It involves constant observation, experimentation, and—most importantly--questioning. If we stop asking questions, we stop doing science. If we refuse to re-examine old studies in light of new data, we’re not honoring science—we’re clinging to dogma.
Science should never be used as a political weapon or a social dividing line. It should be a neutral, evolving field rooted in evidence, not emotion or pressure. And it should invite curiosity, not suppress it.
That means:
    •    Continued research is essential
    •    Old conclusions must be revisited in light of new evidence
    •    Public trust grows when transparency, not censorship, leads the conversation


Why Can’t Parents Ask Questions Without Being Labeled?
Parents ask thoughtful questions about every other aspect of their child’s health:
    •    Is this medication necessary?
    •    Are there side effects I should know about?
    •    What’s the risk vs. benefit for my child?
So why, when it comes to vaccines or health schedules, does questioning suddenly become taboo?
We should be able to ask:
    •    What does the latest science say?
    •    What are the long-term safety studies?
    •    Are there risks for certain populations?
    •    How does this intervention align with my child’s current health status?

These are not anti-science questions. They are pro-parenting questions.


Polarization Hurts All of Us
The vaccine conversation has become one of the most polarizing topics in public health. Figures like RFK Jr., the CDC, and pediatricians like Dr. Joel Gator are often used as symbols in a wider debate that’s been stripped of nuance. But this shouldn’t be about personalities or politics. It should be about informed choice, ongoing research, and the freedom to have transparent conversations without fear of being attacked, dismissed, or shamed.

When public discourse becomes dominated by fear, censorship, and labeling, we lose trust, lose access to new ideas, and ultimately lose the heart of science itself.


Let’s Return to Honest, Open Dialogue
As an integrative provider, I’ve worked with families across the spectrum—some who choose every recommended intervention, and others who approach health more selectively. In all cases, my goal is the same: to provide evidence-based information, foster open communication, and support parents in making the best decisions for their children.


That’s not extremism. That’s integrity.

Here’s what I believe:
    •    Science is not an opinion.
    •    Science is not settled.
    •    Science must remain flexible, humble, and open to new understanding.
    •    And parents deserve a seat at the table in every health conversation that affects their children.

Let’s stop turning parenting questions into political landmines.
Let’s bring back thoughtful, compassionate, evidence-driven dialogue.


Because the moment we stop questioning—is the moment we stop growing.