A New York midwife, Jeanette Breen, operating Baldwin Midwifery on Long Island, has been slapped with an unprecedented $300,000 fine by the state's health department for administering homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations to nearly 1,500 children, putting their lives at risk. The health department revealed that Breen also falsified immunization records, compromising the safety of the affected children.
Breen's alternative approach, using the "Real Immunity Home oprophylaxis Program," involved oral pellets marketed as an alternative to vaccinations but not recognized or approved by state or federal regulators as valid immunizations. The scheme, dating back at least to the 2019-2020 school year, affected families throughout the state, with a concentration on suburban Long Island. The majority of those impacted reside in this region, following the state's elimination of a religious exemption to vaccine requirements for schoolchildren in 2019.
The health department has invalidated the immunization records of children who received the falsified information. Now, their families must demonstrate that the students are either up-to-date with the required shots or in the process of obtaining them before they can return to school.
She then submitted false information to the state's immunization database, claiming the children had received required vaccinations against various diseases.
Breen's lawyer confirmed her cooperation with investigators, payment of the fine, and intention to comply with all other requirements of her agreement with health officials. He noted her long career in providing midwifery services and emphasized that she considers the matter closed.
As part of the settlement, Breen has paid $150,000 of the $300,000 penalty, with the remainder suspended on the condition of her compliance with state health laws and a permanent ban on accessing the state's immunization records system.
Health department spokesperson Erin Clary clarified that while parents sought out and paid Breen for her services, they weren't the focus of the investigation. State health officials are now in the process of notifying affected school districts.
Director of Investigations Joseph Giovannetti labeled the case against Breen a "first-of-its-kind investigation" and emphasized the commitment to combating and preventing vaccination fraud, making it clear that offenders endangering community health will face enforcement action