Power of Attorney/Wills

[emma1325]

We're trying to make out a will for the children in the event of our death.

Do you have one and does it say anything regarding vaccines? Can a legal document protect our children from vaccines if we were both to die?


Also, we'd like to write out a new power of attorney medical form to give the in-laws (for babysitting.) They currently have a letter stating that they have our permission to make medical decisions in our absence, and now I'm thinking it needs to be revised to say no vaccines under any circumstances. The last time they babysat, my MIL called to ask me if she could give my 3 year old medicine for a non-issue. I told her no, because we try to never take medicine. I'm sure she thinks we're crazy, as she is very mainstream. She knows we don't vaccinate. I worry that if one of my children ever require stitches while in their care, my MIL will allow the ER to give a tetanus shot.


Any advice or experiences?

[xmasbaby7]

We have thought this through, and luckily my in-laws are the ones who told me not to vaccinate, so I don't worry about them.

I told my own mom, who is new to this idea that vaccines may not be the greatest thing in the world, again and again that there is no circumstance where an ER visit would merit a vaccine, simply because they are preventative measures and not emergency medicine.

(Tetanus or rabies Immunoglobulins are another story, of course.)

I have explained to my mom again and again, that I take FULL responsibility for refusing any vaccine at an ER but she takes FULL responsibility of allowing a vaccine in my absence.

That puts it in perspective enough for her where I feel she may get it, but I repeat it to her all of the time.

[xmasbaby7]

Oh, and as for wills, there is nothing you an legally do to prevent the next guardian from vaccinating, but if they don't already agree or understand your views, you could write a thoughtful letter they would receive posthumously explaining why it is so important to you, encourage them to allow your child to read it at a certain age (12? 14?), and let your child make his or her own decisions at 18.

[Healthy Skeptic]

What a great idea. Thanks for this post. I am going to put this in my will as well. I have to update it anyway.

Sorry I have no advice, just glad you posted this.

[love2bmommy5]

Thanks for posting this! My DH and I are getting ready to make our will and I hadn't even thought of this. Good food for thought, though!

[Momma2Kai]

Wording?

I am a single mom and am putting together a POA for medical for my son. My mom will be named in the POA...she knows how I feel about not vaxing (and circing), but I'd like to put it in writing so that any "well meaning" doctor can't coerce her into giving him shots in the ER or whatnot.

I am falling flat with ideas how to word this. I would be ok with tetanus/rabies globulin if there was some sort acute risk to catching these diseases. I am probably over thinking this...but it is so important to my son's health that I want to make sure I get it right!

I'd love to hear examples or ideas on how to add this to the POA!

[xmasbaby7]

From my understanding, there is absolutely no legal protection in this area unless it comes from the new guardian or he/she who has been granted that role temporarily.

That is why it is important that you convey your feelings in writing to your mother separately and ask her to allow your child his own choice at 18.

Something I have told my mother in case she needs to seek emergency care for my child while she is babysitting is how much tetanus and possibly other vaccines are pushed despite offering no treatment for the need requiring the ER visit. I have explained that a tetanus or rabies immunogobulin could be the only thing offering help for an injury after the fact, but that risks of tetanus in young children are very low in the US.