Idaho’s New Law Bans Vaccine Mandates Across Public and Private Sectors

Idaho has made a significant move in the ongoing debate over vaccine mandates, becoming the first state in the nation to completely ban such mandates in both public and private sectors. 

The “Idaho Medical Freedom Act,” signed into law last week by Gov. Brad Little (R), will go into effect on July 1. The law prohibits private businesses, schools and government entities from denying individuals access to services or activities based on their decision not to receive a medical intervention, including vaccines, procedures or medications.

This legislation is seen as a key victory for those advocating for greater personal autonomy in health decisions. The move places Idaho at the forefront of the growing medical freedom movement, with proponents arguing that individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies without government or corporate coercion, the Daily Mail reports.

As vaccination rates decline across the country, with rising exemptions for medical and religious reasons, the law comes at a time when Idaho is setting itself apart in terms of health freedom. The state’s vaccine exemption rate is notably high. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 14 percent of kindergarteners in Idaho have vaccine exemptions, more than three times the national average.

While this is seen by some as a testament to the state’s commitment to parental choice, critics argue that this could contribute to the resurgence of diseases such as measles, which has already been spreading in certain parts of the country, including Texas.

While critics warn that this legislation could contribute to the resurgence of diseases like measles and pertussis (whooping cough), supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to protect individual autonomy over personal health decisions.

State Rep. Robert Beiswenger (R) noted that the bill was crafted to prevent “medical force” and allow individuals to make decisions about vaccines and other medical treatments without being coerced by employers, schools, or government entities.

“People can choose them if they want to, but they don’t have to if they don’t want to,” Beiswenger said.

The law also addresses growing concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and other mRNA vaccines, proposing a ban on mRNA vaccines for the next 10 years. Idaho is one of a few states pushing for such legislation, citing worries over potential side effects.

Some states, including Idaho, have introduced bills to ban mRNA vaccines due to concerns about their long-term safety.

Despite praise from many for protecting individual rights, some public health experts have voiced concern. Dr. Dyan Hes, a medical director, expressed his concern that the bill’s timing could increase the spread of preventable diseases, particularly amid an ongoing measles outbreak.

“This bill will also lead to the resurgence of other vaccine-preventable illnesses, particularly pertussis (whooping cough), which is already creeping back because of lower vaccine rates and waning immunity,” Dr. Hes told the Daily Mail.

He added that vaccines are vital for protecting public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as babies and those with weakened immune systems.

However, advocates of the bill argue that it provides citizens with the freedom to make their own health decisions without government interference. Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and public health expert, praised the legislation, calling it a “brave step in the right direction.”

She emphasized that the law does not prevent people from getting vaccinated but ensures that they are not forced to do so.

“It is up to doctors and health departments to create campaigns that explain the benefits of certain drugs and treatments, but then the final decision should be up to the individual or the family,” Lieberman said.

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