5 Noteworthy Quotes From Heated Debate Over California Vaccination Bill

In June, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that gives his state some of the strictest rules on required vaccinations.

The golden state joins West Virginia and Mississippi in excluding exemptions from injections for religious reasons and permitting only those for serious medical issues, according to The Associated Press.

The measure brought about controversy as many oppose the restriction in allowing parents to determine what occurs medically with their children.

VOTE NOW: Should Parents Have the Freedom Not to Vaccinate Their Children?

Here are some of quotes from arguments made on the issue.

“The science is clear that vaccines dramatically protect children against a number of infectious and dangerous diseases. While it's true that no medical intervention is without risk, the evidence shows that immunization powerfully benefits and protects the community.”
– Gov. Jerry Brown, USA Today, in a statement on why he signed the legislation

“The science is clear. Californians have spoken. The governor and the Legislature have spoken. No more preventable contagions. No more outbreaks. No more hospitalizations. No more deaths. And no more fear.”
– Bill co-sponsor and State Sen. Richard Pan, AP, on the implications of the bill

“It is a tragic day for California and a tragic day for America. A new battle will begin in the courts now. We will not back down. We will not go away. No matter how long it takes, we will protect our children and the parents’ right to choose.”
– Californians for Vaccine Choice, Forbes, in a Facebook post after the governor signed the bill into law

“I think it’s a great day for California’s children. You’re living in a state that just got a little safer.”
– Chief of the division of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Dr. Paul Offit, Los Angeles Times, after the bill was passed

“With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Brown took away a really important choice for parents to make. I just believe that decision belongs to the parents, not the government. This is not about vaccination. This is about choice.”
– Gubernatorial candidate and former assemblyman Tim Donnelly, Los Angeles Times, on why he is starting a referendum to remove the new law

URGENT: Should States Be Allowed to Make Health Decisions for Your Children?

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