Rep. Palmer and Rep. Cloud Urge Protection of D.C. Children’s Health and Parental Rights
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921
Rep. Palmer and Rep. Cloud Urge Protection of D.C. Children's Health and Parental Rights
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) have introduced a Congressional Resolution of disapproval regarding the District of Columbia's recently passed law, the Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendments Act of 2020. This law would permit children as young as 11 years old to receive vaccinations without their parents' knowledge or consent.
"This vaccination law is a serious violation of parental rights and a danger to children's health," Palmer said. "Vaccinations in general are not the issue. I believe vaccines are beneficial and it is wise for children to receive recommended vaccines, but 11-year-olds are not equipped to make such medical decisions for themselves. Children could easily be led to participate in experimental programs with their parents being left completely uninformed. It is incumbent on lawmakers to protect them by ensuring their parents have optimal ability to make those important health choices on their children's behalf."
"Parents have a moral and constitutional right to make major medical decisions for their minor children," said Congressman Cloud. "In this case, the D.C. government is wrongfully interfering with that right. It is not appropriate for young children to make medical decisions for themselves, and allowing a non-parent adult to establish consent on behalf of a child sets a bad precedent. I'm deeply concerned by the District's dangerous attempt to threaten children and families. It is Congress's duty to fight back against the erosion of parental rights in America."
The Minor Consent for Vaccinations Act of 2020 would strip District of Columbia parents of their rights to make vaccination decisions for their children, and require doctors, nurses, insurance companies, and public schools to conceal children's vaccination records from their parents. The D.C. Home Rule Act gives Congress 60 days after passage of certain legislation by the D.C. City Council to disapprove of said legislation. If passed by Congress, the Joint Resolution of Disapproval would strike down the proposed law.