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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Proposed Bill on Handling Fetal Remains

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Proposed Bill on Handling Fetal Remains

Q: Did Pennsylvania lawmakers vote to “fine” women who miscarry? 

A: No. But a bill proposes to mandate that health care providers bury or cremate fetal remains, regardless of when or how the pregnancy ends. Experts say such requirements could translate to additional costs for women or their insurers.

Story Twists Facts on Diagnosing Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases

Story Twists Facts on Diagnosing Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases

A viral headline shared on social media falsely asserts that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed testing thresholds to “virtually eliminate” COVID-19 cases among vaccinated individuals. That’s wrong. The threshold in question simply applies to whether or not there is enough virus present in a sample for further analysis.

Video Doesn’t Prove Capitol Police Allowed Jan. 6 Protesters to Enter Capitol

Video Doesn’t Prove Capitol Police Allowed Jan. 6 Protesters to Enter Capitol

More than 400 people have been charged in relation to the Jan. 6 events at the U.S. Capitol, and there is ample evidence that many protesters defied and assaulted Capitol Police officers that day. Yet viral social media posts are falsely claiming a video clip proves that “Capitol Police gave protesters OK” to enter the building. The video clip does not depict that.

Magnet Videos Refuel Bogus Claim of Vaccine Microchips

Magnet Videos Refuel Bogus Claim of Vaccine Microchips

The ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. are publicly available. Yet a false claim that the vaccines contain microchips is receiving renewed attention through a spate of videos of people claiming that magnets stick to their arms after vaccination. Experts say none of the ingredients would cause this supposed effect.

Viral Post Misleads on COVID-19 Death Reporting, Vaccine Monitoring

Viral Post Misleads on COVID-19 Death Reporting, Vaccine Monitoring

A tweet that migrated across social media platforms falsely suggests that any deaths in the 20 days following positive COVID-19 tests are to be attributed to the disease, “no matter what other factors were involved.” There is no such policy. And there’s also no evidence for the post’s suggestion that the vaccines are causing deaths that are being ignored.

Posts Mislead on Words of Alternate Juror in Chauvin Trial

Posts Mislead on Words of Alternate Juror in Chauvin Trial

An alternate juror in the trial of Derek Chauvin said she initially had “mixed feelings” about jury duty, because of concerns about “disappointing” either side and the possibility of “rioting.” She said she “would have said guilty,” but as an alternate did not participate in the verdict. Social media posts now use her words to erroneously imply that a juror admitted outside pressure was a factor in the verdict.

Stories Falsely Cite ‘Stanford Study’ to Misinform on Face Masks

Stories Falsely Cite ‘Stanford Study’ to Misinform on Face Masks

Stanford Medicine says it “strongly supports the use of face masks to control the spread of COVID-19.” Yet viral stories falsely claim a “Stanford study” showed that face masks are unsafe and ineffective against COVID-19. The paper is a hypothesis, not a study, from someone with no current affiliation with Stanford. Update: The paper was retracted.

Irish Professor Makes Unfounded Claims About Long-Term Effects of mRNA Vaccines

Irish Professor Makes Unfounded Claims About Long-Term Effects of mRNA Vaccines

The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines authorized for use were found to be safe and effective in clinical trials and real-world conditions. A professor in Ireland baselessly claims in a video circulating on social media that they are not, and that those who get the vaccines will die as a result within several years.