Minnesota Democrats this week introduced legislation that would eliminate the “conscientiously held beliefs” exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In Minnesota, religious objections currently fall under this exemption.

Senator Andrew Mathews (R–Princeton) issued the following statement:

“Democrats are trying to take away the rights of parents and families to make the best decisions for their kids,” said Sen. Mathews. “When there is a risk of medical injury, parents must have a choice. Families should be trusted to know when to give or not give a vaccine to their children. This is just another example of Democrats trying to strip away rights from Minnesota families.”

Senate File 3439 would remove the ability for families to opt out of the MMR vaccine for religious or conscientious reasons. The bill would require all children entering childcare, preschool, or K-12 public schools to receive the MMR vaccine unless they qualify for a medical exemption.

District 27 resident Cindy-Jo Schloer, a mother and former Minnesota teacher, testified against the bill.

“At home, I have a medically complex child who was born with HIE (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) and a seizure disorder, so we do not vaccinate to protect him, but we were denied a medical exemption,” said Schloer. “I know my children best. I have the best interest for every child and every health decision in my home, not the government. My choice matters.”

Jessica Yudchitz, the mother of a child who nearly died from a Grand Mal seizure following the Hepatitis A vaccination, testified against the bill.

“My son’s doctors say I should never give him another vaccine,” said Yudchitz. “They will not give him a medical exemption because of fear of retribution for their medical licenses. I have never met another mother who is able to get a medical exemption for their child. This bill is the antithesis to protecting children, it violates civil rights and disregards any informed consent process, and promotes a dangerous precedent in parents’ rights to making decisions for their children.”

Katie Christensen, a mother of six including a disabled son, and Director of Disability Advocacy and Supports for Minnesotans for Health and Parental Rights, testified in opposition to the bill.

“Families who cannot accept certain vaccines may file a medical exemption signed by a physician or a notarized conscientious exemption,” said Christensen. “This framework has served Minnesota well for decades. It allows the state to promote public health recommendations while still respecting parental authority, religious freedom, and freedom of conscience. Regardless of one’s personal views, eliminating conscientious exemptions removes the ability for people of faith to follow their beliefs about what they permit to be administered to their bodies or their children’s bodies.”

The bill advanced out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and was referred to the Education Policy Committee.