Refuse To Vaccinate? Little Religious Ground To Stand On

In the midst of recent measles outbreak in Disneyland and Brooklyn, a bill was filed in New York State Legislature allowing parents to refuse vaccinations for their children with the reason of opposite philosophical or religious standpoint.

The bill, however, was not enacted as many people think that it might free parents from rejecting the essence of science for the welfare of their children. This stoppage could be a result Martin Dilan’s withdrawal from the bill. Dilan is one of the Senate sponsors of the bill.

Combating the said bill are states of California, Vermont and Maine that are planning to intensify their vaccine campaigns. Although in New York, parents are allowed to reject vaccinations for their children for philosophical freedoms, provided they accomplished the required written waiver, explaining their request for exception. The school head, however, will examine the written request and can accept or deny it with possible appeal.