Medicine
Some friends and I have been debating the question of state mandated vaccination. There are actually several different pieces to this. First, forcing someone to undergo a medical procedure seems to be a major violation of their individual rights. Or is it? Second, there are always risks with any medical procedure, including vaccination. Does the value to the group of controlling infectious disease trump the right of the individual to free choice of risk? Some people might prefer the risk of disease. Third, what about parental responsibility? How far does the state have the right to force medical procedures on minors, against the parent's objections? Thanks for your help!
Accepted:April 6, 2008
Accepted:
April 6, 2008