New doc...told I need a religious leader to sign off on exemption??

[Mama2Kayla]

Now, I'm almost 100% sure this is not true. We are in NC and I thought it was against the law for them to need something like that? Both my kids have attended church preschools with just a basic exemption letter and we've had no problems.

My dd is starting K in a few weeks and had her check up yesterday. When asked how she was going to attend school with no vaccines, I told the doc we have a religious exemption. She then asked me what religion I was . I replied that its private and I would rather not discuss it. I was kinda shocked she even asked. Thats never happened before.

I am feeling a little concerned about this doctor now. Anyone have any helpful words or advice?

Thanks!

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Mama2Kayla

Now, I'm almost 100% sure this is not true. We are in NC and I thought it was against the law for them to need something like that?

I posted this a couple of days ago. As of late 2004 in North Carolina, the content of one's asserted religious objection could not be questioned, and there was no case law pertaining to whether the sincerity of the religious claim could be investigated.

Unless something has changed, a "note from one's pastor" is certainly not a requirement.

[chaoticzenmom]

I wouldn't worry about the dr. Sounds like he/she was just stating the obvious and maybe didn't realize that you knew that already. There are lots of threads here that give religious exemption advice. I'd search "religious exemption" and your state and see what pops up.

[Emmeline II]

That is not required in any state.

http://www.immunizenc.com/SchoolReqs.htm#exemptions

G.S.130A-157. Religious exemption.


If the bona fide religious beliefs of an adult or the parent, guardian or person in loco parentis of a child are contrary to the immunization requirements contained in this Part, the adult or the child shall be exempt from the requirements. Upon submission of a written statement of the bona fide religious beliefs and opposition to the immunization requirements, the person may attend the college, university, school or facility without presenting a certificate of immunization. (1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1959, c. 177; 1965, c. 652; 1971, c. 191; 1979, c. 56, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1985, c. 692, s. 2.)

[kittywitty]

Originally Posted by Otto

I posted this a couple of days ago. As of late 2004 in North Carolina, the content of one's asserted religious objection could not be questioned, and there was no case law pertaining to whether the sincerity of the religious claim could be investigated.

Unless something has changed, a "note from one's pastor" is certainly not a requirement.

Yup. I just printed something off the net, signed it and turned it in to dd's school when we lived in NC in 2006-2007.

[Mama2Kayla]

Having to turn in an exemption to public school is stressing me out.
Thank you everyone...I'm feeling better now!

[Mama2Kayla]

Just wanted to update this thread. I registered dd yesterday and had no problems at all. Everyone was very nice and they didn't even bat an eye at my exemption. Hoping this will help other NC mamas out there.

Thanks for all the help!