Topic: Vaccines at Oregon Governor’s debate

During their final debate for the Oregon’s Governor’s seat last week, one of the topics addressed was vaccines.

Democratic Incumbent Governor Kate Brown squared off with her Republican challenger, state representative and physician Knute Buehler were asked in a recorded question from an Oregon resident–how much leeway parents should have in exempting their children from medically recommended vaccines?

“We probably give some parents a little too much leeway,” Brown said, in allowing them to decline vaccines for their children.  “If we want to make sure that we’re protecting public health, we want to make sure that our children have the vaccinations that they need.”

Though Buehler is a physician and believes in the benefits of vaccination, he departed from established medical recommendations on the topic: “I certainly believe that parents should have the right to opt out for personal beliefs, religious beliefs, or even if they have strong alternative medical beliefs.”

“That gives people option and choice,” he said.

The question and answer on vaccines begins at the 40:25 mark.

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