VAX THE CHILDREN OR BE DENIED STATE AID???? - Page 2

[emmy526]

They are not allowed to ask you what religion you belong to, unless you live in NY, where they ARE allowed to question you, and as far as i know, its the only state to do such a thing...

you don't have to show proof of being a member of any particular church either.  Your religious beliefs can change at any time in your life, prompting you to live differently than before.  If they ask about your religion, tell them your 1st amendment rights gives you freedom not to discuss it. 

[CallMeMommy]

Ask to see *in writing* where it says immunizations are a requirement for benefits.  WIC tries to pull this, too, but there is no requirement.  Usually when they want the vax card, they want it as a form of identification.  Get a vax card, put your kid's info on it, and just leave the shot area blank.

[mamayogibear]

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

At a meeting I'm pretty sure they will ask you. Do you have any sort of religion/beliefs we could work with and come up with something appropriate?

For starters I am vegan which to me is almost a religion;)  and my kids former peds in WA gave us a philosophical exemption for daycare and a waiver for WIC.  I am very spiritual but not actually of a specific religion. If I had to label myself it would be as either Pagan/CUUPS or Baha' i since I pick and choose what I follow based on what feels spiritually satisfying.

Thanks for offering to help! I'm surprised how less liberal/open minded CA is compared to WA where I could just be philosophically opposed...

[sosurreal09]

Here is something that may help :)

http://www.cafemom.com/group/4388/forums/read/13330509/Are_there_any_Pagans_here_Religious_Exepmtion_Reasoning_Question

[PNWmama]

mamayogibear, this:

Originally Posted by emmy526 

They are not allowed to ask you what religion you belong to, unless you live in NY, where they ARE allowed to question you, and as far as i know, its the only state to do such a thing...

you don't have to show proof of being a member of any particular church either.  Your religious beliefs can change at any time in your life, prompting you to live differently than before.  If they ask about your religion, tell them your 1st amendment rights gives you freedom not to discuss it. 

You do not have to state a specific religion.  Nor do you have to be a member of a church. Like emmy526 said, you are protected under the 1st amendment.
 

 

[madis81]

Originally Posted by emmy526 

what state are you in?

This was in Colorado.

[emmy526]

Originally Posted by madis81 

This was in Colorado.

colorado used to have all 3 exemptions available...i used to live there and used it for my own kids..did you call the dept of health and get a copy of the laws?

[mamayogibear]

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

Here is something that may help :)

http://www.cafemom.com/group/4388/forums/read/13330509/Are_there_any_Pagans_here_Religious_Exepmtion_Reasoning_Question

Thank you! I'm just going to keep it simple and say I choose the Religious exemption and I have the right to keep the details to myself due to the first amendment. I love this site:)

[mamayogibear]

I totally forgot I had my dd vaxed until she was one when I came to my senses. My son on the other hand I have not vaxed at all.. How can I still use the religious exemption??? Should I say I converted or is that none of their business? Thanks a million if anyone gets this before tomorrow at noon!

[sosurreal09]

Yes you converted!

[emmy526]

Originally Posted by mamayogibear 

I totally forgot I had my dd vaxed until she was one when I came to my senses. My son on the other hand I have not vaxed at all.. How can I still use the religious exemption??? Should I say I converted or is that none of their business? Thanks a million if anyone gets this before tomorrow at noon!

yes you can use it because you can find religion at any time in your life, causing a person to live differently due to their faith.   They CANNOT question the religion per The Constitution. 

[mamayogibear]

Originally Posted by emmy526 

yes you can use it because you can find religion at any time in your life, causing a person to live differently due to their faith.   They CANNOT question the religion per The Constitution. 

awesome that's what I was hoping to hear:)

[member234098]

.

Edited by member234098 - 5/27/12 at 4:08pm

[mamayogibear]

Just wanted to update that it was so simple! The worker asked if I had the vaccine records for my kids and when I begain to say well no, he said  I'll get  a form for that. It was just a basic statement that I filled out and wrote 'I choose not to immunize my kids for religious reasons as protected by my first amendment rights' Thanks for the advice and helping me not be a nervous wreck! You ladies are awesome!

[sosurreal09]

Yay glad it went well!

[madis81]

I know this is an old thread, but I just saw it and wanted to respond. It is my understanding that Colorado does allow the 3 different exceptions, BUT that is only for school. To receive TANF you needed the immunization records. The state will allow religious and medical exemption, but they require documentation from clergy or your Dr.. The worker showed me the guidelines and commented that it was different for schools, because I was quick to note the difference, so I assume she was correct...

[CallMeMommy]

Originally Posted by madis81 

I know this is an old thread, but I just saw it and wanted to respond. It is my understanding that Colorado does allow the 3 different exceptions, BUT that is only for school. To receive TANF you needed the immunization records. The state will allow religious and medical exemption, but they require documentation from clergy or your Dr.. The worker showed me the guidelines and commented that it was different for schools, because I was quick to note the difference, so I assume she was correct...

You need the *records*, not the shots.  A vax record is a form of identification for children, but it doesn't have to list any shots on it.

[cytrus]

Some states allow for medical exemption, and others allow for Religious/philosophical exemption.  The AMA is trying to remove the religions/philosophical exemptions as an option.  Let your congress people know that you don't want them interfering in your ability to raise healthy children.