Texas children are subject to as many as 39 doses of 12 different vaccines by the time they enter school. Over 200 new vaccines are in development and potential candidates for mandates. Most parents' objections to vaccinations do not fit under these exceptions. The bill will also extend the exemption to college and require the department of health to create an exemption form. There is tremendous controversy over the impact of immunizations.
Parents have the fundamental right to direct the provision of health care to their children.
The state should not override the decisions of parents, especially in the area of preventive care, where many different approaches must be respected. Some parents are convinced, based on research they have done, that it would be better for their children not to be immunized. Whether or not we agree with their conclusion, their right to make this decision should be protected. The present religious exemption is unconstitutional since it is limited to only certain religions. Similar laws have been struck down in New York and Massachusetts.