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AUGUSTA, Maine
Maine could end the non-medical exemptions for routine childhood vaccinations required by schools and some health facilities.
The Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs of the Legislative Assembly is scheduled to hold a working session on the bill on Wednesday.
Several studies have refuted the claims that vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella increase the risk of autism. Maine has one of the highest rates of pertussis in the country, also known as whooping cough.
But opponents say Maine's parents should remain able to withdraw for religious or philosophical reasons.
Meanwhile, a Republican bill would leave medical exemptions in the "sole discretion" of anyone authorized to administer vaccines.
Federal data indicates that Maine had one of the highest rates of non-medical vaccine exemptions in 2017-2018.
Oregon and Washington are also considering bills to end non-medical exemptions for childhood vaccines.
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