Senator Backs Autism & Cancer Cure Book by Discredited Doctor: A Deep Dive into Misinformation and its Consequences
For years, Senator Ron Johnson has been a vocal proponent of conspiracy theories and misinformation, particularly surrounding COVID-19 and vaccine safety. He’s championed unproven COVID-19 treatments and falsely claimed athletes are experiencing adverse health events post-vaccination. Now, the Wisconsin politician is endorsing a book by Dr. Pierre Kory, a critical care specialist stripped of his medical certification for advocating the use of an antiparasite medication for COVID-19, promoting an unproven and potentially dangerous treatment for autism and a range of other ailments: chlorine dioxide. This endorsement raises serious concerns about the spread of medical misinformation and its impact on public health.
The Book and its Author: A History of Controversy
The book, titled “The War on Chlorine Dioxide: The Medicine that Could End Medicine,” is authored by Dr. Pierre Kory. Before losing his medical certification, Kory practiced in Wisconsin hospitals. He alleges a globally coordinated effort by public health agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, and the media to suppress evidence supporting the purported medicinal benefits of chlorine dioxide. According to the book’s website, this “remarkable molecule” can treat conditions ranging from cancer and malaria to autism and COVID-19.
Senator Johnson’s endorsement is prominently displayed on the book jacket, calling Kory’s work “A gripping tale of corruption and courage that will open eyes and prompt serious questions.” This support from a sitting Senator lends credibility to a dangerous and unsubstantiated claim.
What is Chlorine Dioxide and Why is it Dangerous?
Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound with legitimate industrial applications. It’s used as a disinfectant and deodorizer in food processing plants, to sterilize medical devices in hospitals, and in low concentrations for public water treatment. Paper mills utilize it for wood pulp whitening. Safety guidelines mandate the use of well-ventilated spaces and protective gear when handling this chemical.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that concentrations exceeding 0.8 milligrams per liter in drinking water can be harmful, particularly to infants, young children, and developing fetuses. Despite these established safety concerns, chlorine dioxide has been promoted for years in online communities as a “miracle mineral solution” (MMS) – ingested to purportedly cure a multitude of illnesses.
The FDA’s Warnings and Expert Opinions
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has repeatedly warned against drinking chlorine dioxide mixtures, citing the risk of serious injury and even death. Experts overwhelmingly dismiss these claims. Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, and a leading expert on pseudoscience, unequivocally states: “It is all lunacy. Absolutely, it’s 100% nonsense.” He describes high concentrations of chlorine dioxide as “a poison.”
The Core Argument: Suppressed Truth or Dangerous Delusion?
Kory’s book argues that the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide has been deliberately suppressed by government and medical institutions motivated by profit. He frames this as a “war,” claiming “assassination attempts” on doctors who attempt to share knowledge about chlorine dioxide. Senator Johnson confirmed to ProPublica that he authorized the blurb after reading the entire book, even asking, “Have you read the book?”
Kory and his co-author, Jenna McCarthy, declined to provide an advance copy or interview. McCarthy responded to ProPublica via email, stating that she was addressing questions on her Substack platform. She dismissed toxicity concerns, arguing that “Everything has a toxic dose — including nutmeg, spinach, and tap water.” She claims research is underway in the US and Latin America, focusing on optimal dosage and clinical applications.
Senator Johnson’s History of Promoting Unproven Treatments
This isn’t the first time Senator Johnson has championed questionable medical advice. He has been a long-time advocate for Dr. Kory, inviting him as an expert witness to two 2020 Senate hearings. During these hearings, Kory promoted ivermectin, an antiparasite drug, as a COVID-19 treatment.
While an initial analysis suggested potential benefits of ivermectin, the American Journal of Therapeutics later retracted the study due to suspicious data. Subsequent clinical trials have found no benefit, and the FDA has warned against its use, citing potential dangers. Despite this, Kory continued to advocate for ivermectin.
Loss of Medical Certification and Ongoing Legal Battles
In 2024, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) revoked Kory’s certifications in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care due to his false and misleading statements regarding ivermectin. Kory is challenging this decision in court, citing free speech rights. McCarthy has criticized the ABIM, accusing it of “bullying physicians” and enforcing “ideological conformity.”
Johnson and Kory previously co-authored a Fox News op-ed opposing a California bill that would revoke licenses from doctors spreading COVID-19 misinformation. While the bill initially passed, it was later repealed after a court found its definition of misinformation too vague.
A Broader Trend: The Rise of Anti-Science Sentiment
Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, describes Senator Johnson as an “early adopter of anti-science ideas.” He notes a growing trend of anti-science sentiment within Congress and among the broader public. “What may have started off as the cutting edge of an anti-science movement has now turned into a much more broader-based movement that is supported by millions of people,” Lurie states.
Johnson recently held a hearing highlighting a flawed study suggesting a link between vaccines and chronic diseases, further questioning the scientific consensus on vaccine safety. He also spoke at a conference organized by the Children’s Health Defense, a prominent anti-vaccine organization led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose HHS is considering new ways to scrutinize vaccine safety.
The Appeal of “Miracle Cures” and the Vulnerability of Families
The publisher of Kory’s book, Bella Luna Press, has released other titles by McCarthy. The book is not available on major retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, requiring direct purchase through the publisher’s website. This situation mirrors the tactics often employed by purveyors of unproven remedies.
The autism community is particularly vulnerable to these false promises. Desperate for a cure, some parents have turned to unproven and dangerous treatments like hyperbaric oxygen chambers and chelation therapy. Helen Tager-Flusberg, director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence at Boston University, condemns Johnson’s endorsement as “extremely irresponsible.” She emphasizes the wealth of expertise available within Wisconsin’s medical and scientific community, which Johnson has ignored. “There is no cure,” she states, calling chlorine dioxide “snake oil.”
The Story of Melissa Eaton and the Fight Against MMS
Melissa Eaton, a mother of an autistic son, actively works to expose those promoting chlorine dioxide and report injuries to authorities. She monitors online forums where parents discuss administering MMS to their children, often witnessing reports of severe side effects. She explains that proponents often misinterpret these adverse reactions as signs the treatment is working.
The origins of the “miracle mineral solution” can be traced back to Jim Humble, a gold prospector who claimed chlorine dioxide cured his team of malaria in Guyana. He later co-founded a “health and healing” church with Mark Grenon, who sold chlorine dioxide as a COVID-19 cure. Grenon was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison for this scheme, with prosecutors documenting numerous reports of adverse reactions, including hospitalizations and deaths.
Chlorine Dioxide: Legitimate Uses vs. Dangerous Misuse
While chlorine dioxide has legitimate applications in water purification, disinfection, and industrial processes, its ingestion is unequivocally dangerous. It’s found in some mouthwashes, but these are not intended for swallowing. DIY kits combining sodium chlorite and hydrochloric acid are available, often marketed for water purification, but can be misused as a “tonic” at dangerously high doses.
McCarthy acknowledges the presence of misinformation online but defends the potential benefits of chlorine dioxide. Kory, in a recent interview, expressed a sense of obligation to share this information, even at the cost of his professional standing. He no longer holds a valid medical license in Wisconsin or California, but maintains active licenses in New York and Michigan.
The story of chlorine dioxide, Senator Johnson’s endorsement, and the ongoing spread of misinformation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based medicine, and the dangers of succumbing to false promises of miracle cures. It highlights the need for robust public health education and a commitment to scientific integrity.