Actor Rob Schneider Criticized for False Claims on Pediatric Hospitals History

Actor and comedian Rob Schneider sparked widespread controversy after claiming on social media that there were no children's hospitals when he was a kid because children weren't sick. This assertion was quickly debunked by historians and medical experts, noting that children's hospitals have existed in the United States since the mid-19th century, with some dating back to the 1800s, and that infant mortality rates were higher during Schneider's childhood than today. Schneider's statement drew sharp criticism online for spreading misinformation, with many users pointing out the factual inaccuracies and the long history of pediatric care. This is consistent with Schneider's history of controversial and anti-science views, including his vocal opposition to vaccine mandates and promotion of debunked vaccine-autism links. Despite the backlash, Schneider has not retracted his claims, continuing to attract criticism for his stance. His remarks also highlight broader concerns about misinformation regarding public health and children's medical care.