Text messages released by a Senate committee reveal that Dr. Anthony Fauci privately discussed a theoretical concern that fever and other reactions following a second COVID-19 vaccine dose could be associated with miscarriages in the first trimester. The January 2021 exchange, obtained from Fauci's government-issued cellphone, has ignited backlash from Republican lawmakers and officials.
Fauci, then director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), wrote in the texts that the reaction "theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester." The messages were released by Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
Senator Paul accused Fauci of a public-private discrepancy, asserting on social media that Fauci "was willing to put women and their unborn children at risk instead of admitting that he was wrong about the vaccines."
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also criticized Fauci, stating on X, "Pregnant women were told it was safe! How many women lost babies due to Dr. Fauci's lies."
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., escalated the criticism, calling for Fauci's arrest and claiming he "knew Covid shots cause miscarriages." Greene added, "Fauci belongs in prison."
A press release from Senator Johnson's office stated that the text messages "could have an immediate impact [on] public health and the principle of informed consent."
In related discussions at the time, Fauci had previously stated there were "no data or theoretical reason" to suggest vaccination earlier in pregnancy was preferable to later vaccination. He also noted that over 10,000 pregnant women had received the vaccine without reported issues.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, who was part of the conversation and later served as Surgeon General, reportedly flagged a World Health Organization recommendation against the Moderna vaccine for pregnant women due to limited data. Murthy expressed concern that issuing a strong recommendation against vaccination based solely on a lack of data could damage public confidence among pregnant women.