Youth Vaccine Crackdown Advances In Colorado

bigstory.ap.org Colorado parents seeking to exempt their children from vaccinations for personal reasons would face required education under a proposal that advanced in the state House Friday. The proposal has sparked strong feelings among lawmakers about parental control. Republican House Leader Brian DelGrosso told lawmakers that while he immunized his children, his younger brother doesn’t believe in vaccinations. “And basically what this bill does is, the sponsor is basically saying that my brother is an idiot, my brother is a moron,” he said, adding that the message lawmakers are sending is that they know better than parents. “That’s exactly what this bill does,” said DelGrosso, who represents Loveland. “You can spin it any other way you like, but this basically says, ‘Parents of Colorado that choose not to get immunization for their kids, you’re too stupid to make this decision on your own.’” Colorado is one of 18 states that allow parents and students to opt out of getting required vaccines if they submit a statement of exemption based on religious or personal beliefs. After the debate Friday, the state House gave initial approval on a voice vote Friday to the bill, which seeks to educate parents on the benefits and risks of immunization before they seek vaccine exemptions for personal reasons. Religious and medical exemptions would not be affected. to read more: bigstory.ap.org