Malcolm Roberts falsely claimed COVID-19 vaccines caused miscarriages

Malcolm Roberts, a senator for One Nation in Australia, has been accused of making false claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to an increased risk of miscarriage among pregnant women. These statements, made during a live-streamed conversation with anti-vaccine activists four years ago, contradict established medical research showing no such connection. The claims resurfaced amid heightened scrutiny of Roberts following One Nation’s recent political gains and its leader, Pauline Hanson, receiving greater public attention. During a Zoom session hosted by anti-vaccine advocate Michael Simms in early 2022, Roberts stated that approximately 50% of pregnant women who received a COVID-19 vaccine experienced a miscarriage. He further asserted that the rate rose to 75% for those vaccinated in their first trimester. These assertions directly conflict with findings from a 2023 systematic review published in Human Reproduction, which analyzed data from 21 studies involving nearly 150,000 women and found no association between vaccination and increased miscarriage rates. Additional research, including a 2021 study in the New England Journal of Medicine analyzing 2,456 pregnancies, similarly concluded that there was no elevated risk. Roberts made these remarks alongside other anti-vaccine figures, including former Qantas pilot Graham Hood and Michael O'Neill, founder of the Informed Medical Options Party, previously known as the Involuntary Medication Objectors Party. This group opposed mandatory vaccinations and fluoridation. The discussion took place shortly before the 2022 federal election, raising questions about whether such claims influenced voter sentiment or public perception of the vaccines. Health authorities in Australia recommend that unvaccinated pregnant women consider getting vaccinated, though routine booster doses are generally not advised unless specific risk factors apply. Roberts did not respond to requests for comment through Pauline Hanson’s office, and no official statement from him has addressed the allegations thus far. The controversy surrounding Roberts extends beyond the miscarriage claims. His history includes controversial statements on a range of topics, including conspiracy theories. In October 2024, he appeared on a podcast hosted by Alex Jones, an American figure known for promoting conspiracy theories such as the idea that the 9/11 attacks and the Sandy Hook school shooting were “false-flag” operations. During the interview, Roberts referred to Jones as a “beacon of hope around the world.” Earlier in 2023, Roberts expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the invasion of Ukraine had earned his respect and framing the conflict as a struggle against “globalists.” He also endorsed the chemtrail theory, asserting that the U.S. Air Force was likely spraying harmful substances into the atmosphere as part of a covert population control effort. These views have drawn criticism from both mainstream and alternative media outlets. In addition to his controversial political stances, Roberts has faced backlash for sharing an antisemitic mural online, describing it as “the most powerful pic I’ve ever seen.” The image, created by graffiti artist Kale, depicted a Jewish man with exaggerated features and was widely condemned as hate speech. Roberts later removed the post but did not issue a formal apology. As One Nation continues to gain traction in Australian politics, the scrutiny on its members intensifies. Roberts, having served in the Senate since 2016, has remained a steadfast ally of Pauline Hanson. His recent remarks and affiliations have sparked renewed debate about the role of fringe political groups in shaping public discourse on critical issues such as public health and national security. With upcoming elections looming, the accuracy of political statements, particularly those related to scientific consensus, will remain under close examination.