Florida moves to ban fluoride from public drinking water
NPR Online NewsMAY 15
Florida to Pass Legislation That Would Ban Fluoride in Public Drinking Water
Above: Image copyright: Will Waldron/Contributor/Hearst Newspapers/Albany Times Union via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Adding fluoride to public drinking water is a form of forced medication that violates individual freedom of choice about what goes into our bodies. The current science raises legitimate concerns about fluoride's potential negative effects on children's intellectual development and other health issues. This decision protects Floridians from unnecessary chemical additives while preserving their medical freedom and right to decide what's best for their own health.
Democratic narrative
Removing fluoride from public water systems will have serious consequences for dental health, especially among vulnerable populations who can't afford regular dental care. Decades of scientific research have consistently shown that fluoride at recommended levels is safe and effective at preventing tooth decay. This ban disregards overwhelming medical consensus and will lead to increased cavities, higher healthcare costs, and worsening health inequities.