MEDIA ROOTS –  In California, Assembly Bill 2109 is generating more controversy over some parents’ decision to opt-out from certain vaccines for their children. According to the National Vaccine Information Center, an advocacy organization that promotes parental choice over government mandate, AB2109 is a direct threat to parental sovereignty because it would require additional doctor’s visits and required paperwork for those parents opting-out from particular vaccinations for their children.

Over the weekend, actor and comedian Rob Schneider met with News10 out of Sacramento to discuss why he’s against the legislation. Schneider, along with fellow celebrity Jenny McCarthy who co-founded the autism support network Generation Rescue, believe a link between vaccinations and autism exists which is why they would have their children opt-out. However, multiple scientific studies have been conducted to dispel the link. Regardless, Schneider adamantly testifies that parents should become more knowledgeable about the issue by reading The Vaccine Guide by Randall Neustaedter before making their own decision.

Controversy over the use of vaccines has existed since the first vaccine was used in the 18^th century to prevent the outbreak of small pox. Today, there is no doubt that the vaccine industry is big business. While the pharmaceutical industry spends nearly $200 million per year lobbying the federal government, commercials for vaccines now grace TV screens in certain parts of the United States.

Oskar Mosco

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Actor and comedian Rob Schneider discusses his view of AB2109 in California.

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Photo provided by Flickr user AJC1.