As a pediatrician working in Texas, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by families and healthcare providers in this state. I serve in what can only be described as a battleground, where political promises and policy decisions often fall short of the basic needs of vulnerable populations. From the rising toll of preventable diseases to the devastating impacts of restrictive abortion laws, Texas is a place where healthcare has become a battleground for both human lives and political ideologies. However, what disturbs me even more than the daily struggles I witness is the response (or lack thereof) from many influential progressive voices who mock and condescend, offering no substantial support to the real-life struggles unfolding here.
In February 2025, I saw firsthand the effects of a worsening health crisis. This week, Texas reported the death of a young child from measles, a disease that has been all but eradicated thanks to successful vaccination efforts in the past. Yet, we now find ourselves in the midst of the largest measles outbreak in over three decades. The anti-vaccine movement, driven by misinformation and fueled by reckless rhetoric, has found fertile ground in our state, leading to unnecessary deaths. Just a few days ago, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, downplayed the seriousness of the outbreak, stating, “It is not unusual,” without any plans for containment. In truth, the situation is so abnormal that many younger physicians in the state have never even seen a case of measles in their career—until now.
The irony is that Texas, once a model of public health success, is now at the epicenter of this outbreak due to a mix of policy failures, political maneuvering, and rampant disinformation. And it doesn’t stop with measles.
The Struggles of Texas: A System Under Strain
As a pediatrician in this state, I also face the realities of a deeply fractured healthcare system. Texas has one of the highest rates of uninsured individuals in the nation, with over 4.5 million people living without healthcare coverage. The issue is further complicated by the fact that the state also has one of the highest numbers of undocumented residents, many of whom are reluctant to seek medical care due to fears of deportation. A recent executive order in Texas mandated that hospitals ask patients about their immigration status, making healthcare even more inaccessible for those who need it most.
These families live in constant fear of being turned away or deported, even in times of medical crisis. In one heartbreaking case, I was tasked with transporting a critically ill newborn with heart defects via a medical evacuation flight. The child needed immediate surgery, but due to immigration checkpoints, the infant’s mother was unable to join him for the procedure. This is the grim reality of life in Texas today. Medical care is being denied on the basis of immigration status, and there are very few avenues for these families to find the help they desperately need.
The Devastating Impact of Abortion Laws
Another area where the consequences of political interference have been devastating is in the realm of reproductive healthcare. Texas is home to some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, which have already led to the deaths of women due to hemorrhaging or sepsis after being denied care. The fear of imprisonment and legal repercussions has silenced many medical professionals, leaving patients with limited access to life-saving procedures. In Texas, a doctor convicted of providing an illegal abortion can face up to 99 years in prison, a fine of $100,000, and the loss of their medical license. As a result, some doctors are forced to risk their own lives and careers in order to provide care for women who need it most.
The situation is dire. While many Texas healthcare providers continue to care for their patients despite the risks, there is no support coming from the political class. The federal government and wealthy progressive voices have failed to rally behind us, leaving us to bear the brunt of political decisions that directly affect the lives of those we serve.
A Call for Support and Action
It is time for us to demand action from those in power, especially from the progressive elites who profess to care about justice, equality, and public health. These voices often show up on the coasts, offering platitudes about issues like immigration reform, reproductive rights, and healthcare access. Yet, when it comes to supporting healthcare providers in Texas who are fighting for their patients’ lives, the support is absent.
What we need are more than just empty words. We need vocal, financial, and tangible support from those who have the power to make a difference. I’m calling on wealthy progressives, those in the halls of power in Washington, and those who run the media to put their money where their mouth is. Don’t just talk about the issues; invest in local healthcare initiatives that support our most vulnerable populations. Fund clinics in border towns where healthcare is often inaccessible. Provide the resources necessary to ensure that doctors and nurses can continue to provide the care that Texas families desperately need.
We Need Real Solutions, Not Condescension
For too long, the struggles of Texas have been mocked and caricatured. From media outlets that paint Texas as a land of country music, Nascar, and “God and guns,” to politicians who claim to care about family values while turning a blind eye to the suffering in our state, it’s clear that the real issues facing our communities are being ignored. We need real solutions, not condescending remarks. We need to be treated as human beings, not as a punchline or an afterthought.
It’s time for those in power to step up. Instead of focusing on coastal elitism or mocking the way we speak or live, it’s time for the elites to invest in the people of Texas. Put money into independent journalism that accurately reflects the struggles we face. Support grassroots efforts to address issues like immigration, healthcare access, and reproductive rights. Donate to local clinics that serve our communities. Advocate for healthcare policies that protect the most vulnerable and ensure that every child, woman, and family in Texas has access to the care they need.
The issues facing Texas are not just political issues—they are life-and-death issues. Every day, I see patients who are suffering from the consequences of inadequate healthcare policies, restrictive immigration laws, and anti-choice rhetoric. Every day, I watch as families are torn apart and children suffer because the system is broken. It’s time for the political elites, the media, and the wealthy progressives to stop treating us like a political football and start treating us like human beings.
If you truly care about justice, equality, and healthcare for all, it’s time to stop with the condescension and start offering real support. Texas needs you. Our patients need you. And, most of all, our children need you.
Seema Jilani is a pediatrician in Texas, working on the frontlines of healthcare and fighting for those who need it most.
