COVID-19 vaccine mandates give rise to call for protecting medical freedom in Pa. constitution – pennlive.com

A state lawmaker wants to protect Pennsylvanians right to decide whether to refuse a vaccine of any type or medical treatment or procedure without being questioned or discriminated against for their decision.

This push from Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon County, grows out of the ongoing debate over COVID-19 vaccine mandates that are cropping up in places around the state.

The legal fogginess of this topic is evident in the manifold legal cases currently before the courts, both federal and state, he told the House Health Committee on Tuesday. The plaintiffs in these cases have a conviction that they shouldnt be forced to or coerced to receive this particular vaccine and shouldnt be discriminated against for choosing not to receive it.

The committee voted 15-10 along party lines to approve Diamonds proposed constitutional amendment that would protect individuals freedom to refuse any medical procedure, injection, vaccine or prophylactic.

This approval puts the measure into position for consideration by the full House. Before it would appear on a ballot for voter ratification, it first must pass the full House and Senate in two consecutive two-year legislative sessions.

Diamond said adding this proposed right to medical freedom to Article 1 of the state constitution would bring clarity to individuals right to say no to medical procedures, treatment, vaccines and prophylactics.

Democratic Rep. Bridget Kosierowski of Lackwanna County, a registered nurse, questioned the inclusion of prophylactics. She said that could lead to patients refusing handwashing preparation for tests, washes before a knee replacement, and preparation for a colonoscopy. An attorney for the committee said patients have the right to refuse that now.

Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny County, called Diamonds bill a dangerous proposal. Simply bringing it up for committee consideration does harm by further sowing distrust in vaccines, he said.

Whats more, he argued vaccine requirements have been a public health success story when it comes to measles, polio, rubella, mumps, tetanus and among other ailments. He further said the COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to reduce the number of virus-related deaths.

If this constitutional amendment were to be enacted, the worst of COVID would be with us forever, Frankel said. Vaccines limit the spread of deadly viruses.

Committee Chairwoman Kathy Rapp, R-Warren County, said she is not an anti-vaxxer but believes people should have the freedom to choose whether to get a vaccine. She added she finds it troubling that a number of doctors and nurses have refused the vaccine.

It still should be a persons right in this country, she said. I know that many people have a lot of issues with the contents of certain vaccines and we are seeing more and more adverse effects.

Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-Clinton County, said her support for the bill is not about being anti-mask or anti-vaccine either.

She said, Were anti-force from a government telling us what to do with our bodies.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.

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COVID-19 vaccine mandates give rise to call for protecting medical freedom in Pa. constitution - pennlive.com