Opponents of measles vaccine fight in the nation's capital following a new bill

by Keith Eldridge / KOMO News

Following the outbreak in the Vancouver area, parents fought the state to determine if their children should be forced to get vaccinated against measles.

Lawmakers are arguing over whether parents should be forced to vaccinate their children even though they do not personally believe that it is safe. At present, they have the choice, but this exemption could soon be removed under a Senate bill (SB 5841).

"We need you to say no more," was singing at the protest Wednesday in the State Capitol. They came to fight for what parents see as their right not to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps and rubella with the MMR vaccine.

"Yes, because I think we are totally opposed to what we are as a people, as a country," said Fr Janell Nunez. "Why should we force something where we have nothing to say?"

These parents said the recent measles outbreak in Clark County had caused an overreaction to the state's Legislative Assembly.

"This is a serious threat to health," said Senator Annette Cleveland, sponsor of the bill, during a busy hearing. The epidemic is in his district.

There were assurances that vaccines are safe.

"Ultimately, we can prevent it with our extremely safe and effective vaccines," said Secretary of State for Health Dr. John Wiesman. "

"The science is very clear," said Dr. Gary Goldbaum of the Washington State Medical Association. "These vaccines are safe and effective."

"I've read science and it's not there," said Del Bigtree. He produced the film "Vaxxed", which, according to him, provoked this outrage and fear of vaccines. "The facts are as follows: This is the only product of the pharmaceutical industry to have never been the subject of a placebo study. have never been proven safe using the scientific method. "

For mother Shawna Robinson, she thinks her sons are paying the price for taking the vaccine. "My children developed allergic reactions right after the vaccine," she said. "They had a fever, they were always sick, my oldest son started having migraines very soon after the MMR."

There would always be exemptions for religious or medical reasons.

The Senate committee will now hear testimony and vote on the bill over the next week and a half. A similar bill is making its way to the House (HB 1638).