Disabled Lives Are Worth Saving

CDC Director Dr. Walensky’s statement on national television that it is “really encouraging news” that the majority of people dying from COVID-19 are “unwell to begin with” does immense damage. 

Her cruel remarks tell people with complex medical needs and disabilities, including our children, that their lives do not matter. It erroneously gives the dangerous implication that COVID-19 is not something most people should be concerned about, further marginalizing our families. It weakens critical attempts to mitigate the surging pandemic currently overwhelming our hospitals, increasing the harm to disabled people who rely on medical care. 

The Director’s statement is one more example of the failed leadership she has shown managing the pandemic and is reflective of other policy recommendations endangering vulnerable people, revealing a deeply disturbing systemic disregard for the lives of disabled and chronically ill Americans. 

Our children’s lives are at stake. We demand that the CDC firmly commit to meaningful COVID-19 policies that value the lives of people with complex medical needs and disabilities.