State and federal legislators are rethinking a parent’s right to choose not to vaccinate their children thanks to the national measles outbreak epicentered in Orange County.
As California’s measles toll reaches a 15-year high of 99, two state senators, including Sen. Ben Allen, D-Redondo Beach, said they plan to introduce legislation that would eliminate the ability of parents to receive a “personal belief” exemption from immunizing their children.
“The high number of unvaccinated students is jeopardizing public health not only in schools but in the broader community,” Allen said. “We need to take steps to keep our schools safe and our students healthy.”