Gov. Jim Justice has vetoed a bill aimed at eliminating vaccination requirements for children attending virtual, private, and parochial schools.
House Bill 5105, subject to the governor’s action until midnight, proposed removing these mandates or allowing parents to opt out.
Advocates for medical freedom supported the bill, emphasizing parental choice in healthcare decisions. However, opposition from the medical community voiced concerns about potential disease outbreaks, notably measles.
Sen. Mike Moroney stated, “Most diseases have been eradicated or so minimized that people don’t realize the rage that they went through the communities with, and the countries, and our states and countries, just the whole world.”
Del. Chris Pritt emphasized parental autonomy, particularly citing religious beliefs as grounds for vaccine exemptions. “I’m big on parents having a choice when it comes to the decision they make for their children. A lot of parents, based on religion and other reasons, feel that they don’t need to vaccinate their children.”
The West Virginia State Medical Association welcomed the governor’s veto, underscoring the economic and societal costs of preventable disease outbreaks.
Dr. Lisa Costello, a pediatrician in Morgantown, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks, which can strain resources and disrupt daily life.
Rep. Alex Mooney, a U.S. Senate primary candidate against Justice, criticized the governor’s decision, stating, “This is yet another sign of Liberal Jim Justice disregarding religious freedom and parental rights.”
The Catholic Diocese of West Virginia affirmed adherence to state public school vaccination standards for children in Catholic schools, ensuring their vaccination compliance.