New York health officials state that the midwife who administered homeopathic pellets to 1,500 children in place of vaccines has endangered lives.
A midwife in New York who provided nearly 1,500 children with homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations has been slapped with a groundbreaking $300,000 fine for endangering lives, announced the state’s health department this week.
Jeanette Breen, who runs Baldwin Midwifery on Long Island, administered the pellets as an alternative to vaccinations and then forged their immunization records, stated the agency on Wednesday.
Fraudulent activity dating back to at least the 2019-2020 school year has affected families across the state, with the majority residing in suburban Long Island. In 2019, New York removed the religious exemption to vaccine requirements for schoolchildren.
The health department has invalidated the immunization records of children who were given falsified records. Their families must now demonstrate that the students have received the required vaccinations, or at least are in the process of obtaining them, before they can return to school.
State Health Commissioner James McDonald stated, “Misrepresenting or falsifying vaccine records endangers lives and undermines the system designed to safeguard public health.”
Breen, a healthcare provider licensed by the state, distributed the “Real Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Program,” which consists of oral pellets marketed as an alternative to vaccination. However, these pellets are not recognized or approved by state or federal regulators as valid immunizations, according to the health department.
According to the department, she falsified immunization records for approximately 1,500 school-aged patients by administering 12,449 fake immunizations before falsely reporting their vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and other diseases to the state’s immunization database. State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa stated in a statement that “By intentionally falsifying immunization records for students, this licensed health care professional not only endangered the health and safety of our school communities but also undermined public trust.” (source)
Breen’s attorney stated on Thursday that his client had collaborated with investigators, paid her fine, and plans to adhere to all other stipulations of her agreement with health authorities.
“Ms. Breen has delivered exceptional midwifery services to numerous families, particularly on Long Island, over the course of many years. She is now nearing the end of her career,” David Eskew conveyed in an emailed statement. “From her perspective, this matter is concluded, and she is now focused on moving forward with her life.”
Breen has settled by paying $150,000 of the $300,000 penalty, with the remainder suspended on the condition that she adheres to state health laws and refrains from administering any reportable The health department reports that in the future, immunizations will be required. Additionally, she is permanently prohibited from accessing the state’s immunization records system.
According to health department spokesperson Erin Clary, the agency’s investigation did not focus on the parents and legal guardians who sought out and paid for Breen’s services.
State health officials are now in the process of informing numerous affected school districts.
Director of Investigations Joseph Giovannetti described the case against Breen as a “first-of-its-kind investigation.”
“Those engaged in fraudulent immunization activities should be aware: The Bureau of Investigations is fully committed to identifying, addressing, and preventing all types of vaccine fraud. We are prioritizing the protection of our communities’ health and will continue to take legal action against anyone who jeopardizes public health and misuses our healthcare systems in this manner,” as stated in a press release.
