Montana Considers New Wave of Legislation to Loosen Vaccination Rules
Kaiser Health News
March 10, 2023
According to Lauren Wilson, president of the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, no state in the last 20 years has implemented a conscience exemption for childhood vaccines. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports philosophical exemptions in 15 states.
Opponents, including Montana Families for Vaccines, the Montana Medical Association, and Wilson, said states with conscience exemptions have the lowest vaccination rates.
“I think part of the problem is that vaccines have been victims of their own success,” Wilson said. “There have been many childhood illnesses that have been eliminated for more than a generation, and people don’t remember.”
Editorial: Common sense prevails in the courts
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle
December 19, 2022
A federal judge has ruled a Montana law barring vaccination requirements for employees cannot be enforced against health care facilities. It was a welcome ruling and a victory for common sense.
We expect our elected leaders to recognize misinformation when they hear it and rise above it when legislating. The ban on employer-mandated vaccinations was a failure in that regard. Let’s hope lawmakers take note of this court ruling and act with more discretion when they convene next month in Helena.
Introducing Montana Families for Vaccines
January 1, 2023
Montana Families for Vaccines is a volunteer-driven, parent-led, grassroots network of Montanans advocating for fact-based immunization policy to keep our kids and communities healthy.
We are looking forward to working with you this session and as we work to maintain strong, evidence-based vaccine policy in the future.
Montana rep files bill to ban blood donations from people vaccinated against COVID-19
NBC Montana
March 2, 2023
Montana House Representative Greg Kmetz (Republican) introduced a bill to ban anyone who has received a Covid-19 vaccination from donating blood in Montana.
Dr. Joe McArdle wrote, “If passed, the bill would make it a misdemeanor to donate or use blood containing isolates of an mRNA vaccine. No traces of mRNA actually remain in the blood after 3 weeks, so the whole thing is pointless. Also, all biologics authority in the US falls under the FDA, so once again. Big waste of time and money.”