Compulsion, it's reared its head a couple of times in the
last week or so. The ethereal spectre of
compulsory contraception and the much more imminent threat of compulsory vaccination,
both targeted at beneficiaries.
I've already posted on contraception. Vaccination is even more of a touch-stone
issue for me. Not because I've taken
sides on the vaccination debate, indeed I have previously equivocated and
intend to continue to do so. My children
have received some vaccinations and I've withheld permission for others.
Compulsory vaccination is outrageous. Linking the eligibility for a benefit to
having vaccinated children is moreso. It
is wrong for the state to say "society will not support you if you do not
vaccinate your children", or for agents of the state to be required to implement
and enforce such a policy.
Providing funding for vaccines and vaccination is fine by
me. Providing literature and advice
around the benefits and risks involved is essential. Compulsion is too far.
I'm not against the idea of compulsion, it has its
place. It has no place in personal
affairs such as contraception and vaccination.
White Stripes - Elephant, 2003
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