BATON ROUGE, La. (KPLC) – Community water fluoridation is one of the most valuable public health measures because it helps to prevent tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association. However, a bill in the Louisiana legislature aims to stop fluoridating any public water system in the state.
Senate Bill 2 would eliminate the requirement of fluoridation in drinking water. The bill, authored by Sen. Michael Fesi, would call for the decision of allowing water fluoridation to be made by those who are served by the water system
“It’s very important to know some of the effects that fluoridation has on the body,” Fesi said.
“The fact, as Senator Fesi has said, that we are putting a chemical in the water without the patients’ consent is problematic for me as a physician,” Louisiana Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham, said.
Supporters of the proposed law point to the effects of fluoridation on your health.
“Studies have linked fluoridation to dental and skeletal fluorosis, thyroid disruption, neurotoxicity, and cognitive impairment,” Dr. Sandra Marx said.
Those in opposition acknowledge the impact this bill may have on low-income families if passed. Water fluoridation can help in preventing cavities, root canals, and tooth decay.
“Many of your children and grandchildren have benefited from Fluoride. Why would we take away the best public health measure of the 20th century?” Annette Droddy of the Louisiana Dental Association said.
Many advocates for the bill voice concern over how medicating drinking water can violate the right to informed consent.
“If you ban fluoride out of the water, you’re not giving those 500 kids that don’t go to the dentist and that are on Medicaid, they have no choice, they have nobody talking to them, they have nobody giving them prevention. They have no one to go to, they have no choice. So, I really think banning fluoride is taking away the choice,” Droddy said.
Currently, 39% of Louisiana residents receive fluoridated water.
Original article online at: https://www.kplctv.com/2025/05/01/state-lawmakers-propose-fluoride-ban-public-water-systems/