Providing Compassionate, Intelligent Counsel

Are vaccines in the best interest of the child?

by | Nov 10, 2017 | Child Custody, Firm News |

A mother was recently sentenced to serve five days behind bars for violating a court order. She is in contempt of court for violating an order that required her to have her son vaccinated. In California, it may be in the best interest of the child to receive vaccinations.

The mother insists that it is in the best interest of her child not to have vaccinations. She is hoping to avoid any future shots for her son and will head back to court to convince the judge. The woman’s ex-husband is in favor of the shots and wants his son vaccinated. During her incarceration, the boy received two vaccinations while in his father’s custody. The mother was reportedly devastated at the news.

This case highlights conflict when divorced parents disagree over vaccines. Public Health professionals insist that vaccines are a preventive medicine that has saved millions of lives. Many diseases have all but been eliminated and experts agree that they are effective. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that few health problems are associated with vaccines. Although not free from all side effects, most reactions are rare or mild.  

What matters is what is in the best interest of the child. People have different beliefs for vaccines. Some believe the side effects and risks outweigh the benefits and choose not to vaccinate. In California, an attorney may help determine what is in the best interest of the child, and also provide clear and concise guidance for any legal battles ahead.

Source: USA Today, “Michigan mom who didn’t want son vaccinated sent to jail“, John Wisely, Oct. 27, 2017

Archives

FindLaw Network