When this proposal came to light a year or so ago, I recall there were some physicians who were questioning the effectiveness of some of the vaccines, and in some cases, the vaccines caused brain damage to some children. I think it's the parents obligation to make an informed decision. At the same time I understand that there are an increasingly large number of parents who shouldn't be allowed to have a goldfish let alone a child, but do we really want to live in a society that tries to legislate around bad parenting? Who decides what's appropriate? The fact is that they're already doing that very thing in the education system. Anyone with young children want to weigh in on how that's been working out?

I agree. It's VERY troubling. If it's a case of the parents wanting to deny a child treatment, I can understand the state forcing it because the child doesn't understand the choice she's making. But vaccination is just a good health decision. People have the right to make bad health decisions, like not vaccinating, for their children.

It applies to all children.

I will admit to being conflicted about this. I am a strong believer in vaccination as well as in individual rights. Failing to vaccinate is not only a personal risk but does, at least to a degree, increase the risk for those around you who either can't be vaccinated because of other problems or for whom vaccinations did not create a sufficient immune response. The effect extends beyond your own body.

Setting aside the whole government school issue, I could imagine a private day-care center requiring vaccinations to have your children participate in their program.

On the other hand, I was very troubled by the idea that home schooled children were included.

Expect a lawsuit and injunction filed against it within minutes of passage.

It should always be an individual's choice. This is hard because, especially as a parent, you would not want to see your child or any other child or human being die or become disfigured from polio or small pox etc. I personally believe that vaccinations were originally developed using sound scientific evidence. Still, I cannot morally defend forcing anyone to take a treatment they don't want. There are many new vaccines that are touted as miracle cures, however, they have not been time tested as the polio or small pox vaccine have been. Everyone should educate themselves thoroughly on what a vaccine is and how it is produced and delivered. If kids are forced to receive the vaccine, what would be the point in educating yourself about it as a parent? There would be little to no scrutiny and there are plenty of opportunities for abuse there. I thought about this a lot, but ultimately decided to vaccinate my daughter. At least I can say it was my choice, and when she is old enough to choose, it will be up to her. This is somewhat hard for me as I was raised in a cult and I saw firsthand what refusing some medical treatments did to people who were coerced into it as opposed to being able to freely choose without consequence. The emotional side tells me I don't like to see kids die unnecessarily, but the logical part tells me that use of force or coercion on either side is morally wrong.

Oh, and I failed to mention that this is in California.