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Germany Rejects Kennedy's Claims on COVID Patient Autonomy

1/11/2026

Summary

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The German government rejected U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claim it undermined patient autonomy during COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Minister Nina Warken said Kennedy's accusations are unfounded and there was no obligation for medical professionals to administer vaccinations.
She stated criminal prosecutions occurred only in fraud cases, not for personal medical choices.
Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach criticized Kennedy, noting that most Germans support vaccination despite protests from skeptics.

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Story summary

The German government rejected U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claim it undermined patient autonomy during COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Minister Nina Warken said Kennedy's accusations are unfounded and there was no obligation for medical professionals to administer vaccinations.
She stated criminal prosecutions occurred only in fraud cases, not for personal medical choices.
Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach criticized Kennedy, noting that most Germans support vaccination despite protests from skeptics.