[Don'tMessWithTexas]

If you're the type that doesn't believe in immunizing yoour children, then I have nothing to say to you What kind of "type" is that? I have a cousin with an autistic child. There is a great deal of evidence linking autism to certain immunizations. If my wife and I have another child, should we not have the right to make the decision of what we feel is best for our child? Or do you and your other so-called conservative cohorts believe that it is the role of the state to override my parental authority?

[berkeleybeej]

There is a great deal of evidence linking autism to certain immunizations.

Actually that is an old wives tale, desparately clung to by anti-immunization folks.

But this thread is about Terri, so we should not digress.

[Ohioan from Florida]

My oldest child had an adverse reaction to the DPT when he was a baby, but thankfully didn't go into seizures. Somehow, the medical community had discovered that the pertussis part of the vaccine was dangerous for certain children. It became a medical notation on his file, just like any allergy. Hopefully, I would think that doctors would understand your conscientious objection if you explained it to them. If not, I think you would have a good bit of support from people here in defending your position. Typically, the rule of thumb is to weigh the pros and cons. Does the disadvantage to the health of your child overcome the advantage that the "treatment" might bring?