Sam Sadowitz

Here’s the reality, point by point: ⸻ 1. Amish families do have larger numbers of children. •True. Amish families are typically large, often averaging 6-7 children, sometimes more. Large families are culturally valued. 2. Vaccination rates among Amish vary. •Mostly true, but not absolute. Some Amish communities refuse vaccines based on religious or cultural beliefs, while others do vaccinate selectively. It’s not universally “no vaccines.” 3. No miscarriages or infertility? •False. Amish women do experience miscarriages and infertility issues. They may talk about it less publicly, but studies show miscarriage rates similar to the general population. 4. No autism? •False. Autism does exist in Amish communities. •A 2010 study by researchers at the Hershey Medical Center found cases of autism among the Amish, though rates may be lower — possibly due to different environmental, genetic, or diagnostic practices, not vaccines. •Amish healthcare tends to be more localized and they are less likely to seek diagnostic evaluations for neurodevelopmental issues. 5. No cancer? •False. Amish people do have cancer, though rates of some cancers are lower. •According to a study from Ohio State University (2004), Amish adults had lower rates of some types of cancer, likely due to lifestyle factors: less smoking, less alcohol, cleaner diet, and more physical labor. •However, genetic cancers like breast cancer can be common due to genetic bottlenecking (limited gene pool). 6. No diabetes? •False. Amish do get Type 2 diabetes, although possibly at lower rates than the general American population. This is likely because their lifestyle includes more physical activity and less processed food. 7. No ADHD? •False. ADHD-like symptoms do exist among Amish children, though again rates appear lower. Factors like less screen time, more structured physical work, and tight-knit communities may contribute. ⸻ Why the Amish may have lower rates of certain health issues: •Lifestyle: Very physical life, lots of outdoor work. •Diet: More homegrown food, fewer processed foods. •Community: Strong social structures can reduce stress. •Environment: Less exposure to environmental pollutants (less car exhaust, fewer chemicals). But they are not immune to modern diseases — and the meme ignores genetic issues more common among Amish because of intermarriage over generations (such as certain rare genetic disorders like Ellis–van Creveld syndrome). ⸻ Conclusion: •Amish communities have health differences compared to the general U.S. population, but they are not immune to miscarriage, cancer, autism, infertility, diabetes, or ADHD. •Their lifestyle explains many differences more than the absence of vaccines or modern medicine. •There is no credible scientific evidence that vaccines are causing widespread infertility, autism, cancer, or ADHD in the general population.