In the ever-evolving landscape of legislative changes, one bill stands at the forefront, challenging our notions of individual freedom and parental rights in South Carolina. Enter bill H.4690. But what exactly is H.4690, and why does it demand our undivided attention as we approach the next legislative session on January 9? This pre-filed bill, emerging in the preliminary phase of our legislative process, seeks to alter Section 44-29-180 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, changing how vaccination and immunization requirements are determined for schools and childcare facilities in the state. Let's delve deeper into the specifics of this bill and unravel its potential impact on our lives and the fabric of our society.
Shift Decision-Making Power: The bill proposes transferring the authority to determine new mandated vaccinations and immunizations from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (or its future successor) to the General Assembly of South Carolina.
Legislative Oversight: The bill would require the General Assembly to approve any additional vaccines beyond the current list, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and others. This aims to place these important public health decisions in the hands of elected representatives, rather than health officials or parents.
Control Over Future Vaccine Mandates: The bill seeks to ensure that any future expansions to the list of required vaccines for school and childcare entry are subject to legislative debate and approval, reflecting a desire for more direct political oversight and accountability in public health decisions.
IN SIMPLER TERMS, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD DIRECTLY DETERMINE NEW MANDATED VACCINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS FOR SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES.
Currently, the childhood vaccine schedule in South Carolina is typically updated based on recommendations from health experts, specifically the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or its equivalent.
Refer to Section 44-29-40 and 44-29-180
CONCERNS
Anyone who doesn’t recognize it is now being given notice that this bill will open Pandora’s box, out of which will fly multitudes of amendments to expand required vaccines, which are already unnecessary, excessive, dangerous, and out of control. This extends not just to public schools, but private schools.
Most egregious is giving the power to expand this list to the legislature. Are these people doctors who actually know health care and real science? Why would anyone give the State, and its police power of enforcement, this kind of permission and oversight? Likely the list will never be reduced or eliminated. This list of required vaccinations to be given to children or, possibly employee, who does not comply with this edict is a gross infringement of personal freedom at its most basic—life and death decisions, which are not the purview of a government.
An additional concern emerges if the South Carolina General Assembly shifts to a Democrat or Republican (in name only) majority, potentially leading to a focus on targeting vaccine exemptions. When the General Assembly, dominated by a single party, assumes control over vaccination mandates, there exists the risk that decision-making will be more heavily swayed by political ideologies or party agendas, rather than prioritizing the rights of the people.
POLITICAL INFLUENCE AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Furthermore, the influence of special interest groups cannot be overlooked. These groups, particularly when they are major campaign contributors, are likely to wield considerable influence, potentially resulting in decisions that favor specific interests over the general welfare.
PARENTAL RIGHTS AND AUTHORITY
It is imperative to underscore the significance of parental rights and authority in their children's upbringing, encompassing health-related decisions. Parents, being most intimately acquainted with their children’s needs, are ideally situated to make informed choices about what is in their best interests. Consequently, the rights of parents who opt not to vaccinate their children must be both safeguarded and held in high regard.
CALL TO ACTION
The prerogative to select the most appropriate medical treatment for their children should reside with the parents, rather than being dictated by lawmakers or government agencies. It is essential to actively reach out to your House Representative, voicing your questions, concerns, and opposition to ensure the preservation of parental rights in medical decision-making.
It's worth noting that the General Assembly possesses the capability to rescind DHEC's vaccine-mandating authority, as well as their authority to expand the vaccination schedule, by repealing section code 44-29-40. This essentially shifts vaccine decision-making to parents.
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BONUS
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Last Updated: 12/22/23
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