On December 16, 2017, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control and Prevention (CDC) staff were instructed not to use 7 words in its 2019 budget appropriation request: diversity, transgender, vulnerable, fetus, evidence-based, and science-based. These basic phrases are intrinsic to public health. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offered alternative word choices, such as by modifying “evidence-based” with “community standards and wishes” and using “unborn child” instead of “fetus”.
HHS repudiated reports that it banned words as a “complete mischaracterization,” but rather was guiding CDC toward a successful congressional request. The National Academy Presidents issued a joint statement saying HHS guidance could impede research and “the quality of counsel rendered to government.” This Viewpoint explains why HHS’ budget advice undermines science and ethics — even if it is lawful.
via Language, Science, and Politics: The Politicization of Public Health by Lawrence O. Gostin :: SSRN
The Health Policy Skeptic 