VT: bill to ban philosophical exemption for vaccines

[4babes]

The Times Argus had an article today describing how a bill has been introduced to ban the philosophical exemption for vaccines.  I tried to find the link online but couldn't -- maybe there's a lag time.

Is there anyone else out there who would be affected by this? 

[mom_to_ben5]

We would be! Tthat would stink! I can't find the artilce though... have you found it yet?

[4babes]

I still can't find the link to the article but here's a link to the bill:

http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/Bills/Intro/S-199.pdf

[vermontgirl]

I would definitely be affected by this...it would mean my children couldn't go to school. I can't see something like this happening in Vermont but if it did, I would probably move to another state that allows philisophical exemption.

[4babes]

I'm not feeling quite as alarmed as I was, but definitely want to stay on top of this.

I talked to our school nurse, who believes 100% in vaccinations but thinks this bill is the wrong way to go about it, and is ready to go testify if she needs to.

I also emailed with the reporter, who's a friend of my sister's, and he is looking for parents to talk to "if the bill goes anywhere."  (Which suggests it might not.)  Would either of you be willing to do that?  PM me with your info, if so, and I can put you in touch with him. 

[Peacemamalove]

this would effect us greatly and my kids would not be allowed to attend school either....hopefully it falls through the cracks...

[calapitters]

We would be, too :( Though, this isn't so surprising since VT has a lower vaccination rate than most other states.  I don't know if anyone else has noticed a push in vaccine ads and such around these parts lately.  Daycares now need to report their numbers and vaccine records of their kids, whereas they used to just keep them on file, I believe. 

[autumnvt]

We would also be affected by this...I don't think moving would be answer for us... if the law is changed here, how long until it is changed in other states? I am beginning to think that we might have to figure out how to use a religious exemption if needed. Any ideas for those of us whom aren't exactly "religious" (meaning don't go to a church or have any affiliations)... Also interested in participating in any actions showing we are not in support of this proposal..

[mom_to_ben5]

You absolutely should not have to attend church to use a religious exemption. A "church" is defined as any place that you can have communion with God, which could be your home with your family. Some other statements I found online - "The Bible says that the church is the bodies of believers physically, and not a building made with bricks and boards." and "Where 2 or more are gathered" and "the bride of Christ, the body of Christ. it's the people, not a building" and also "The 'Church' in the Bible is a Greek word, meaning 'a group of people called by God'".

We use religious exemption and are strongly against it morally as well. I believe that God did not create a perfect body for man to inject it with chemicals to "stay healthy". This places MAN at being "all knowing" what is best for God's perfect creation. Also, since vaccines are derived from aborted fetuses, that this strongly goes against what God intended, and goes against the "thou shall not kill" conmandment. Here is direct scripture that we would use, if necessary.

1 Corinthians 6:19 - "You know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God, don't you? You do not belong to yourselves".

Hope this helps!!!

Valerie :-)

p.s. I was also told recently that Vermont already tried to ban this before, and was not successful. :-)

[mom_to_ben5]

oh, and supposedly there is an active organization fighting this proposal...the same one that beat it before I think.  :-)))

[autumnvt]

Thanks Mom_to_ben5. I wasn't sure if I attempted to file under a religious exemption whether I would need a signed document from a pastor or other religious figure... Glad to hear it is easier to do than I thought. Do you know what organization is fighting this proposal? Thanks again!

[mom_to_ben5]

Not sure, but heard it was a chiropractor leading the effort.  No other details than that unfortunately. And I think maybe some states the religious exemption is stricter than others, where you do have to get clergy signature. I didn't need that in GA, but did have to present a notarized copy of an exemption letter - which I still have a copy that I can email to you, if you like...or in case Vermont ever requires that. You can email me directly at [e-mail]. Quite possibly some schools or districts might require something different?  Where in VT are you? 

[calapitters]

WCAX ran a story about this today. One man actually said that parents think it's easier to sign a piece of paper than to pick up the phone and make an appointment, insinuating that parents don't vaccinate due to laziness!  This makes me so.mad! I'm typing this from my phone, so I can't link the story, but grrrrrrrrr!!!!!

[mom_to_ben5]

You think THAT is bad....did you see the two stories written by Ken Picard of Seven Days about vaccination in Vermont?  Wow, talk about bias!!!  I think he is part of the reason there is so much publicity on this recently. Check these out!!!

http://www.kidsvt.com/vermont/shots-for-tots/Content?oid=2129901

http://www.7dvt.com/2011health-care-providers-take-shot-increasing-childhood-immunizations - talk about infuriating!!!  I guess we are the "refuseniks!!"

Also, check this out: http://therefusers.com/refusers-newsroom/vermont-refuseniks-reject-cdc-one-size-fits-all-vaccine-policy/. Is this a Vermont based group...not sure who this is?

I am telling you honestly, there just aren't as many folks as I thought that don't vaccinate their kids here in VT...and it is especially suprising with the philos exemption!  I don't know anyone who is anti-vaccine like us. Anyone here close to Burlington?

[autumnvt]

I'm in Northfield- 10 minutes south of Montpelier. I found out there is a hearing at the statehouse this morning. Unfortunately I have a sick kiddo at home today. I'm looking forward to hear how it goes... As for now I am perfectly happy filing as philosophically exempt... if that option is really removed, I'll get more info from you mom_to_ben5-thanks! I read the WCAX story and can't believe someone would really think that people are filing vac. exemptions because they are to lazy to go to the doctor! Those other to articles are awful too! The naturopath that my family sees actually wrote a letter about how biased the article in KIDSVT was and they published it!

[MissingPotato]

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Edited by MissingPotato - 5/28/12 at 10:00am

[HairyArmpits]

Senator Mullin is set on moving forward with eliminating the philosophical exemption from the state's recommended vaccination schedule. This is a matter that affects all parents, regardless of our choice... the point is that it should remain OUR choice.

Here is an interveiw you may want to see:
http://www.wcax.com/story/16581051/immunization-battle-brewing-at-statehouse

...and to make it easier to contact your Senators about this issue, here is a standard letter that you can simply add names to, and any other details you wish to include. Below please find the Senators' contact information. This needs to be addressed asap, as the proposal is already on the table as of this morning!

Thanks for taking a minute of your time to help protect parental rights in Vermont!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear ,

As concerned Vermont residents, we are writing this letter in opposition of the proposal to remove the philosophical exemption from the Vermont State vaccination regulations.

We would like to see the Vermont law remain intact with regards to the medical, religious, or philosophical exemption options offered to parents. We feel strongly against the idea to remove parental choice. Our family's decision to not vaccinate our children is a personal and educated one.

Please consider the negative effects this law change will have on parental rights and freedoms. Please keep this Vermont law as is.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

---------------------------------------------------------------------
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND WELFARE
(Committee source: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/lms/legdir/comms.asp?Body=S)
(Contact Information source: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/lms/legdir/alpha.asp?Body=S)

Senator Claire Ayer, Chair
Address: 504 Thompson Hill Rd., Weybridge, VT 05753
Telephone:[phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Senator Kevin Mullin, Vice Chair
Address: 118 Oxyoke Dr., Rutland, VT 05701
Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail:[e-mail]

Senator Anthony Pollina, Clerk
Address: 93 Story Rd., North Middlesex, VT 05682
Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Senator Sally Fox
Address: 80 Bartlett Bay Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403
Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

Senator Hinda Miller
Address: 84 Deforest Heights, Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]

[autumnvt]

Thank you HairyArmpits!

[mom_to_ben5]

yes, thanks from me too for the info!  I just emailed them all....fingers crossed! :-)))

[mom_to_ben5]

Oh, and I wanted to let you guys know that there is a new holistic moms group forming, with a first "moms night out" this Saturday night in South Burlington. We have eight moms already coming, and if you are interested please pm me and I can give you further details!  Valerie :-)