Observers Say Religious Belief Exemption Could Weaken California’s 2012 Vaccine Law
Observers say that a religious belief exemption in a 2012 state vaccine law could significantly weaken the rule. According to the law, parents who seek to opt out of having their children vaccinated against infectious diseases first must fill out a request form, which includes an option for declaring that they are a member of a religion that prohibits them from seeking medical advice or treatment. Experts say the exemption could give parents without such religious beliefs an easy way to circumvent the law, which in turn could contribute to disease outbreaks in the state.
- "How a California Law To Encourage Vaccination Could Backfire" (Shute, "KPCC News," NPR/KPCC, 11/9).