A Democrat state congressman has introduced a new bill that will allow authorities to vaccinate children without their parents’ consent in Connecticut.
The legislation introduced by Connecticut state Rep. Kevin Ryan (D) would see kids aged 12 and up be vaccinated without parental permission.
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: That the general statutes be amended to allow a child twelve years of age or older to receive a vaccination with the consent of such child’s parent or guardian,” the text of the measure reads.
“Statement of Purpose: To enable children access to vaccinations without the consent of a parent or guardian,” the bill adds.
Connecticut House Minority Leader Rep. Vinnie Candelora, a Republican, described the proposal as “very disturbing.”
Republican State Rep. Holly Cheeseman also pushed back against the proposal.
Cheeseman raised the prospect of a scenario in which a person’s son or daughter experiences “an adverse reaction” without the parent even knowing what has happened to their child.
“Minors under the age of 18 cannot be vaccinated by a healthcare provider without parental consent,” according to portal.ct.gov.
However, Ryan’s proposal would deny parents of this authority.
“I don’t think that 12-year-olds do have that mental capacity to be making their own decisions,” mother Nicole Malley said.
Vaccinations for COVID-19 have been a point of significant cultural contention, especially when the vaccines pertain to children.
Many parents have opted to have their kids vaccinated while others have chosen not to have their children get the shots.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Covid vaccinations for people aged 6 months and older.
“CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 months of age and older stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination; this includes individuals who are currently eligible to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine,” according to the government agency.
READ MORE: FAA Quietly Suggests Covid Shots Damaged Pilots’ Hearts
