A controversy has developed in Queensland, Australia, over the refusal of some parents to have their children vaccinated. Although media reports refer to “conscientious objection,” it appears that the term is being applied much more broadly to encompass those who refuse vaccinations because they are concerned about side effects or doubtful about their efficacy. Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg told a reporter, “I think the whole issue of conscientious objection has been abused and misused and really we are dealing here with people who are vaccine refusers.” [news.com.au]
Category: Vaccinations
Refusing to treat children whose parents won’t comply with vaccination regimes
An editorial in the Toronto Star notes that some physicians are refusing to continue with families when parents refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated. In most cases the refusals are prompted by distrust of conventional medicine and fear of side effects. The editorial supports those who recommend that physicians keep objecting families in their practices so that children can continue to get good medical care and to provide the opportunity to convince unwilling parents to consent to vaccination. [Toronto Star]