CDC Director Erica Schwartz addresses staffing crisis and abortion data

New CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz addressed staff in her first agency-wide meeting, acknowledging significant internal challenges including an exhausted workforce and stalled programs. The agency has lost over 3,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of its workforce, due to layoffs and resignations. Schwartz noted that some programs funded by Congress have become dormant because the personnel responsible for them are no longer present.

During her Senate confirmation process, Schwartz also addressed the issue of abortion surveillance. In response to questioning from Senator Josh Hawley, she committed to collecting comprehensive data regarding the number and circumstances of abortions. She emphasized that accurate reporting is a critical component of the CDC’s work and expressed a need to ensure states are not miscategorizing abortion data under other headings, such as emergency services.

Regarding her relationship with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Schwartz stated she would not hesitate to disagree with him when necessary but would do so privately. She pledged to rebuild public trust through transparency and scientific rigor.