In a striking case from Michigan, a mother is prepared to face imprisonment rather than comply with a court order to vaccinate her son. Sarah Mitchell, a parent of one young boy, has made her position clear: “I would rather go to jail for standing by my beliefs than vaccinate my child.” Sarah views the decision to vaccinate as a deeply personal one.
This dispute over vaccinations has escalated between Sarah and her ex-partner, who now insists that their son receive all recommended vaccinations. During their marriage, they had initially agreed to space out the child’s vaccines, but after their separation, the father changed his stance. As a result, a court has mandated that Sarah must bring her son up to date with eight vaccines in a single visit, leaving her only days to comply.
Michigan law allows for non-medical exemptions to vaccinations, which Sarah has utilized in the past. She claims to have thoroughly researched the subject and believes in spacing out vaccines, stating, “It was when they started grouping them together that I decided to delay vaccinations.”
Court records indicate that Sarah was ordered to vaccinate her son in November 2016; however, by September 2017, she still had not adhered to the ruling. The potential for jail time now looms, awaiting a decision from the judge.
It’s important to note that health authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize the critical role of vaccinations in safeguarding children’s health. They assert that “Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines save lives,” a sentiment echoed across various platforms, including our other blog posts about home insemination and parenting.
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In summary, Sarah Mitchell’s case showcases the ongoing conflict between personal beliefs and public health mandates, highlighting the complexities of parental rights regarding child vaccinations.