A Texas mom received a visit by Child Protective Services (CPS) for hosting a “chickenpox party.” Amanda Witt believes that it is healthier for a child to catch chickenpox early than to be vaccinated for it. The mother from Plano, Texas, moderates a private Facebook page for 300 plus parents who hold the same belief. She said, “When one child has chickenpox, we promote playdates throughout,” she told the local CBS affiliate.
“What is shocking to me about that is there hasn’t been a law broken,” she added. “Chickenpox parties are not considered dangerous. They’re not illegal.”
The Texas mother was also reported to say, “I feel bullied and victimized.” I’d like for my parental rights to be respected. I didn’t break the law. My children are well cared for and it is my choice.”
A website discussing the pros and cons of vaccinations, quotes the American Academy of Pediatrics saying “most childhood vaccines are 90%-99% effective in preventing disease.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are cited stating that “732,000 American children were saved from death and 322 million cases of childhood illnesses were prevented between 1994 and 2014 due to vaccination.”
Yet, among other warnings, vaccines.procon.org also states “Some physicians believe thimerosal, an organic mercury compound found in trace amounts in one flu vaccine for children and other vaccines for adults, is linked to autism.”
Barbara Low Fisher, co-founder of National Vaccine Information Center, is quoted as saying, “If the State can tag, track down and force citizens against their will to be injected with biological products of known and unknown toxicity today, there will be no limit on which individual freedoms the State can take away in the name of the greater good tomorrow.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott supports the right of “all parents to have their children vaccinated,” as reported by CBS DFW. Breitbart Texas has also reported that Abbott supports Texas law that allows parents to choose not to vaccinate their children.
As a presidential candidate, former Texas Governor Rick Perry had to answer for a bill he signed into law that provided for an exemption that allowed parents to decide not to vaccinate their children “for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.” He also said it was his goal as governor to increase the rate of vaccinations in Texas.
Texas senator and presidential candidate Ted Cruz defended New Jersey governor and presidential candidate Chris Christie’s statements about parents making their own choices, as reported by Breitbart News. Cruz also said he and his wife have had both of their girls vaccinated.
As reported in February of this year, Dr. Ben Carson believes there should be no “philosophical” or “religious” exemptions for vaccinations. He told The Hill, “Although I strongly believe in individual rights and the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit, I also recognize that public health and public safety are extremely important in our society.” He also said that the U.S. should be “doubly vigilant” about vaccinating children because of the dangers caused by an open border.
As also reported by Breitbart News, after a furor on whether or not Carly Fiorina was in favor of children getting measles, Fiorina clarified that her response to a mother who objected to vaccines on religion basis was that, “When in doubt, it is always the parent’s choice.” She also said, a school district was within their rights to say a child who is unvaccinated cannot attend public school.
Breitbart News reported that presidential candidate Donald Trump said while he is a “total believer” in vaccines, he believes in smaller doses over a period of time, he does not believe that an infant should have “one massive inoculation with all of these things combined.” Trump added, “I’d like it spread over, because look, our autism rate is at a level that it’s never been.”
As a presidential candidate, former Texas Governor Rick Perry had to answer for a bill he signed into law that provided for an exemption that allowed parents to decide not to vaccinate their children “for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.” He also said it was his goal as governor to increase the rate of vaccinations in Texas.
Lana Shadwick is a contributing writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as an associate judge and prosecutor. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2
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