Several parents who filed a lawsuit last year got their response when a U.S. District court judge ruled in their favor on Monday. Mississippi currently allows medical exemptions for vaccines but is one of only six states without a religious or personal belief exemption for public school immunization requirements.
Lindsey Beckham is the chapter chair for Moms for Liberty in Madison, and a member of Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights. She says this ruling is protected by the religious rights clause of the first amendment.
"I believe that it just should be the decision of the parents after they have done the research and have the discussion with the Lord in prayer," she said. "And I think that it should be their decision and... I don't see why that is an issue for anyone else."
Beckham also says that some doctors have refused to treat unvaccinated children. Dr. Geri Weiland is a pediatrician in Vicksburg and the immediate past president of the Mississippi State Medical Association. She says parents who choose not to vaccinate their children should be aware of its impact on public health.
"I understand that people feel like they have a right as far as religious freedom, but we have to balance that with public health." she said. "You can't, for your personal reasons, decide that you don't want your child in a car seat. You can't do other things that harm other people because of your personal beliefs."
The Mississippi Department of Health has until July 15th to comply with the judge's decision.
