In yet another case highlighting the perils of the anti-vaccine movement, a Texas mother, Sarah Greene, recently faced scrutiny from Child Protective Services (CPS) after reports surfaced regarding her “chickenpox parties.” These gatherings are intended for unvaccinated children to deliberately infect one another with chickenpox. Greene, who opts out of vaccinations for her kids, firmly believes in what she calls “natural immunity.” She even runs a Facebook group with around 300 other parents who share her views, promoting playdates that involve sick kids mingling with healthy ones.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Greene remains unfazed and confused about the backlash. She was reported by members of a pro-vaccine organization and expressed her disbelief to local news outlet WMAZ, stating that “chickenpox parties aren’t dangerous.” Greene insists that children need to be exposed to illnesses to build their immunity, claiming it’s only this generation that views getting sick negatively. One can’t help but wonder if she would have felt the same way during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.
While Greene sees no risk in her chickenpox gatherings, legal expert Tom Richards pointed out to WMAZ that these parties could indeed lead to significant liability issues. He noted that chickenpox can result in severe complications and even fatalities. “If a child contracts chickenpox and suffers serious health consequences or dies, the parents could potentially face criminal charges,” Richards warned.
It’s astonishing that while parents would face severe repercussions for hosting parties to expose their kids to diseases like polio or hepatitis, some view chickenpox as a harmless rite of passage. Historically, chickenpox was responsible for around 30,000 hospitalizations and 150 deaths annually before the vaccine became available. Additionally, the potential for complications, shingles, and the risk of spreading the virus to newborns or immunocompromised individuals cannot be ignored.
Although CPS has not commented on their investigation into Greene’s activities, she claims that this incident has instilled fear within the anti-vaccine community. “I feel like my parental rights are being disrespected,” she told WMAZ. “I haven’t broken any laws. My children are well cared for, and it’s my choice.” However, the choice to forgo vaccinations does not exempt her from responsibility for exposing her children and others to preventable diseases.
It’s disheartening to witness any parent trivializing illness by organizing such “disease parties” in 2015. Contrary to Greene’s beliefs, the decision to vaccinate stems from a place of knowledge, scientific backing, and genuine concern for children’s health.
Ultimately, the real victims here are the children who are inadvertently forced to confront preventable illnesses due to their parents’ misguided choices. If you’re interested in deeper insights into parenting and health matters, check out this informative blog post. For those considering at-home insemination options, CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kits are a reputable choice. Lastly, if you’d like to learn more about pregnancy and related topics, the NICHD offers an excellent resource.
In summary, the troubling case of Sarah Greene demonstrates the dangers of anti-vaccine ideologies and the potentially severe consequences of prioritizing personal beliefs over the well-being of children.
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