Should Mandatory Vaccinations Overrule Parent Rights?
Let me be very clear: I am not anti-vaccination. I am pro-parent. I firmly believe that it is the right of parents to make decisions about education, medical care, and spiritual and social enrichment for their children without government interference. Involved parents know their child well and work toward the best interest of each one.
There is a push in this nation to vaccinate all children for COVID-19, right down to the age of 6 months. Many of those who advocate vaccination would like it mandatory. Even for those who have already had and recovered from the virus or those in low-risk categories. Anyone who questions the need, safety or efficacy of the shot runs the risk of being labelled “anti-vax”, or “vaccine hesitant” or even “un-patriotic”. Yes, we want our society protected. But Americans also value individual choice and freedom. And we value the rights of parents to parent their own children, which includes making informed medical decisions. It is what I fight for every day.
For parents who opt out of vaccinations for themselves or their children, whether for medical or religious reasons, there has generally been legal means. But it appears that those pushing for COVID-19 vaccination don’t care about personal choice anymore. They still want it mandatory. And now with some businesses and schools starting to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and even some employers requiring employees to get the shot in order to keep their jobs? Well, the pressure is on. Get vaccinated or else.
Again, I am not anti-vaccination. Vaccines have done a lot of good in this country. We do not have problems with smallpox, polio, or measles because of the protection vaccines give. We have much less and milder flu cases because of the annual flu vaccine. You are always told the risks and benefits of all these vaccines and then you make an informed choice. Do you have all the information you need to make an informed choice about the COVID-19 vaccine for yourself or for your children? Besides discussing this with your family doctor, here are a few places online for information.
I also want to make it clear that I am not a medical doctor and I don’t even play one on TV. I am not advocating for or against this vaccine. That’s not for me to decide. However, I am advocating for parents to make an informed decision, with the help of their family doctor. I am advocating for the right of parents to raise their children without government interference, and that includes making informed decisions about vaccinations for their family. I am advocating for clear information of the risks and benefits of all vaccinations, including COVID-19. It has been, and always will be, my firmly held belief that it is parents who know what is best for their children, not the government.