In Australia, a proposed new law would withhold child benefits from parents who do not vaccinate their children, aiming to boost immunization rates.
Debates Heat Up in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, discussions on mandatory vaccinations resurface regularly. Last year, a baby suffered severe illness after exposure to measles from an unvaccinated child at daycare. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives considered barring unvaccinated children from childcare, but current laws prevent this.
Australia's Prime Ministerial Announcement
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott unveiled the policy this week, explaining: "Parents should be able to trust that their children won't get diseases at daycare because others have conscientious objections to vaccinations. The choice not to vaccinate children is not supported by the government and should not be supported by taxpayers through child support."
