State-Specific Supplements

1. California

  • Key Statutes:
    • California Health and Safety Code §§ 120325-120380: Eliminated personal and religious exemptions for school-required vaccines (SB 277, effective 2016; expanded with SB 276/714 in 2019).
    • Family Code § 6900-6910: Parents retain rights to consent to medical care for minors, but the state can impose limits for public health.
  • Interpretation:
    • While parents have constitutional rights to make medical decisions (per Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000)), California’s “police power” allows for overriding of these rights in the name of public health, particularly for school entry.
    • Informed consent laws still apply for non-mandated newborn procedures (like Vitamin K and Hep B at birth), especially outside school mandates.
    • Caution: Parental rights are subject to challenge if state authorities deem refusal a public health risk.

2. New York

  • Key Statutes:
    • Public Health Law § 2164: Removed religious exemptions (2019); medical exemptions are strictly limited and require state approval.
    • Family Court Act § 1012: Parental rights are constitutionally protected unless abuse/neglect is proven.
  • Interpretation:
    • New York recognizes informed consent under Public Health Law § 2504 for medical treatment of minors.
    • Parents retain the right to refuse non-mandated interventions at birth unless medically necessary or court-ordered.
    • However, school entry and daycare are tightly controlled by vaccination mandates.

3. New Jersey

  • Key Statutes:
    • N.J. Stat. Ann. § 26:1A-9.1: Allows for medical and religious exemptions to vaccination, but religious exemptions are under increasing scrutiny.
    • Parental Rights Doctrine under N.J. Const. Art. I, § 1 and case law (e.g., Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179): Affirms parental autonomy unless clear and convincing state interest is proven.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can invoke religious or medical exemptions for school-mandated vaccines (with proof).
    • For newborn care (Vitamin K, Hep B), informed consent and right to refuse remain valid unless there’s an imminent threat to the child’s life.

4. Mississippi

  • Key Statutes:
    • Miss. Code Ann. § 41-23-37: Only medical exemptions allowed for school-required vaccinations; no religious or philosophical exemptions.
    • Mississippi Constitution and case law uphold parental rights (Meyer v. Nebraska), but the state can override for public health reasons.
  • Interpretation:
    • Informed consent laws apply to non-mandated newborn interventions; refusal of Vitamin K and Hep B must be documented, but the state cannot force administration without a court order.
    • Caution: Mississippi is extremely strict with vaccine mandates for school attendance but less so for neonatal care.

5. Maine

  • Key Statutes:
    • 20-A M.R.S. § 6355: Eliminated religious and philosophical exemptions (effective September 2021); only medical exemptions allowed.
    • Maine Revised Statutes Title 22 § 1711-C: Informed consent for medical procedures is required.
  • Interpretation:
    • Maine's informed consent statutes protect parental rights to refuse non-mandated medical interventions at birth (e.g., Vitamin K, Hep B).
    • School vaccine mandates are rigid, but birth-related decisions remain within parental control absent a compelling state interest.

6. Vermont

  • Key Statutes:
    • 18 V.S.A. § 1122: Removed philosophical exemptions; only medical exemptions allowed for school-required vaccines.
    • 12 V.S.A. § 1909: Requires informed consent for medical procedures.
    • Parental Rights recognized under Vermont Constitution Ch. I, Art. 10.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain full rights to decline non-mandated newborn interventions with proper documentation.
    • School vaccination mandates are strict, but neonatal decisions are respected unless medical necessity overrides.

7. West Virginia

  • Key Statutes:
    • W. Va. Code § 16-3-4: Requires school-entry vaccinations; only medical exemptions permitted.
    • Parental Rights recognized under W. Va. Const. Art. III, § 10 and general common law principles.
  • Interpretation:
    • West Virginia is among the strictest, permitting no religious or philosophical exemptions for school-entry vaccines.
    • However, informed consent laws still protect parental rights for non-mandated newborn interventions, including Vitamin K and Hep B, provided no immediate medical necessity is determined.
    • Hospitals may attempt to pressure, but parents retain authority absent state intervention or a court order.

8. Washington

  • Key Statutes:
    • RCW 28A.210.090: Allows medical and religious exemptions for school vaccinations; philosophical exemptions were removed in 2019 for MMR.
    • RCW 7.70.050: Requires informed consent for healthcare decisions.
    • Parental Rights under RCW 26.09.184 and case law (Troxel v. Granville): Parents have a fundamental right to make medical decisions for their child.
  • Interpretation:
    • While Washington enforces vaccine mandates for school entry, informed consent statutes uphold parental authority in declining non-mandated newborn interventions.
    • Hospitals must respect this right unless a clear, immediate risk to the child’s health is established.

9. Connecticut

  • Key Statutes:
    • Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-204a: Eliminated religious exemptions in 2021; only medical exemptions allowed for school vaccinations.
    • Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-582: Informed consent for medical procedures is mandatory.
  • Interpretation:
    • Connecticut’s informed consent laws protect parents’ right to refuse Vitamin K and Hep B administration at birth.
    • For school entry, strict vaccine mandates apply, but neonatal care decisions remain under parental control.
    • Hospitals cannot override parental decision without legal justification or court involvement.

10. Rhode Island

  • Key Statutes:
    • R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-18: Authorizes health department to establish vaccination requirements; only medical exemptions are recognized.
    • R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-17.19-14: Requires informed consent for medical procedures, explicitly protecting patient rights.
  • Interpretation:
    • Rhode Island enforces strict school vaccination requirements with no religious/philosophical exemptions, but parental rights to refuse non-mandated interventions at birth are protected.
    • Hospitals must honor informed refusal unless an immediate, life-threatening emergency arises.

11. Oregon

  • Key Statutes:
    • ORS 433.267: Permits medical and non-medical (religious/philosophical) exemptions for school-entry vaccines, though requirements have tightened.
    • ORS 677.097: Informed consent statute for medical procedures.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents in Oregon can refuse newborn interventions (Vitamin K, Hep B) under informed consent laws.
    • For school entry, non-medical exemptions require education modules and documentation.

12. Pennsylvania

  • Key Statutes:
    • 35 P.S. § 521.16: Permits medical and religious exemptions for vaccinations.
    • 28 Pa. Code § 27.84: Informed consent for medical treatment is required.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse Vitamin K and Hep B for newborns, provided clear documentation.
    • Strong constitutional protections for parental decision-making (via case law and state statutes).

13. Illinois

  • Key Statutes:
    • 410 ILCS 235/1 et seq.: Mandates vaccinations for school entry; religious exemptions permitted with proper documentation.
    • 410 ILCS 50/3: Health Care Right of Conscience Act protecting informed refusal of medical care.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents have the right to refuse newborn interventions under Illinois’ informed consent and right of conscience statutes.
    • Legal challenges may occur if the state perceives refusal as neglect, though such actions require clear evidence.

14. Massachusetts

  • Key Statutes:
    • MGL c. 76 § 15: Allows religious exemptions for school vaccinations.
    • MGL c. 111 § 70E: Informed consent rights for all medical procedures.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse non-mandated newborn interventions.
    • Massachusetts courts have upheld strong patient rights in medical decision-making, including for minors.

15. Minnesota

  • Key Statutes:
    • Minn. Stat. § 121A.15: Permits medical and conscientious exemptions for school vaccines.
    • Minn. Stat. § 144.651: Minnesota Patients' Bill of Rights includes informed consent provisions.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can decline newborn procedures like Vitamin K and Hep B, exercising their right to informed consent.
    • Religious and philosophical exemptions are recognized for school vaccines with documentation.

16. Michigan

  • Key Statutes:
    • MCL 333.9208: Allows medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions for school vaccinations.
    • MCL 333.20201: Michigan’s Informed Consent Law.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can exercise informed refusal for newborn interventions under Michigan law.
    • Vaccine mandates for school entry are strict but allow personal exemptions with required education.

17. Virginia

  • Key Statutes:
    • Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-271.2: Permits medical and religious exemptions for school-required vaccines.
    • Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2969: Informed consent required for medical treatment.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents have protected rights to refuse non-mandated newborn interventions.
    • School vaccine requirements are strict, but parental choice is respected with proper documentation.

18. North Carolina

  • Key Statutes:
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-157: Permits medical and religious exemptions to vaccination.
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-21.13: Informed consent for medical treatment.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse Vitamin K and Hep B for newborns, citing informed consent and religious beliefs.
    • Schools have strict mandates, but exemptions are recognized.

19. Florida

  • Key Statutes:
    • Fla. Stat. § 1003.22: Permits religious and medical exemptions to school vaccination requirements.
    • Fla. Stat. § 381.026: Florida Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
  • Interpretation:
    • Florida’s strong informed consent statutes allow parental refusal of newborn interventions.
    • Religious exemptions are recognized for school entry.

20. Texas

  • Key Statutes:
    • Tex. Educ. Code § 38.001: Allows medical and conscientious exemptions for vaccines.
    • Tex. Health & Safety Code § 166.002-166.152: Texas Advance Directives Act includes strong informed consent protections.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse Vitamin K and Hep B under informed consent provisions.
    • Texas recognizes a wide range of exemptions for school vaccines with proper affidavits.

21. Alabama

  • Key Statutes:
    • Ala. Code § 16-30-3: Permits medical and religious exemptions for school vaccinations.
    • Ala. Code § 22-8-4: Informed consent required for medical treatment of minors.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain rights to refuse newborn interventions through informed consent provisions.

22. Alaska

  • Key Statutes:
    • AS § 14.30.125: Allows for religious exemption from school vaccinations.
    • AS § 18.15.145: Informed consent is a legal requirement.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse newborn interventions absent immediate risk to the child.

23. Arizona

  • Key Statutes:
    • A.R.S. § 15-873: Permits medical and personal belief exemptions for school vaccines.
    • A.R.S. § 36-3201: Informed consent law.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents have protected rights to decline Vitamin K and Hep B for newborns.

24. Arkansas

  • Key Statutes:
    • A.C.A. § 6-18-702: Allows medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions for school vaccinations.
    • A.C.A. § 20-9-601: Requires informed consent.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse newborn interventions within legal parameters.

25. Colorado

  • Key Statutes:
    • C.R.S. § 25-4-902: Allows medical, religious, and personal belief exemptions for vaccines.
    • C.R.S. § 25-4-1704: Informed consent requirements.
  • Interpretation:
    • Strong informed consent protections support parental refusals.

26. Delaware

  • Key Statutes:
    • Del. Code tit. 14, § 131: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • Del. Code tit. 16, § 2501: Informed consent laws.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain authority over newborn medical decisions.

27. Georgia

  • Key Statutes:
    • O.C.G.A. § 20-2-771: Allows medical and religious exemptions for school vaccines.
    • O.C.G.A. § 31-9-6.1: Informed consent provisions.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents have protected rights to decline non-mandated newborn care.

28. Hawaii

  • Key Statutes:
    • HRS § 302A-1154: Permits medical and religious exemptions for school vaccines.
    • HRS § 671-3: Informed consent statute.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse Vitamin K and Hep B administration.

29. Idaho

  • Key Statutes:
    • Idaho Code § 39-4802: Allows for medical, religious, and personal belief exemptions.
    • Idaho Code § 39-4503: Requires informed consent.
  • Interpretation:
    • Informed consent law supports parental decision-making for newborns.

30. Indiana

  • Key Statutes:
    • IC 20-34-3-2: Permits religious exemptions for vaccinations.
    • IC 16-36-1: Informed consent statute.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents may decline Vitamin K and Hep B with documentation.

31. Iowa

  • Key Statutes:
    • Iowa Code § 139A.8: Allows medical and religious exemptions.
    • Iowa Code § 147.137: Informed consent requirements.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain rights to make neonatal medical decisions.

32. Kansas

  • Key Statutes:
    • K.S.A. § 72-6262: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • K.S.A. § 65-2891: Informed consent law.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents may decline non-mandated newborn interventions.

33. Kentucky

  • Key Statutes:
    • KRS § 214.036: Medical and religious exemptions permitted.
    • KRS § 304.17A-600: Informed consent protections.
  • Interpretation:
    • Supports parental rights in neonatal decisions.

34. Louisiana

  • Key Statutes:
    • La. R.S. § 17:170: Allows medical and religious exemptions for school vaccinations.
    • La. R.S. § 40:1157.1: Informed consent statute.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse Vitamin K and Hep B with clear documentation.

35. Missouri

  • Key Statutes:
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 210.003: Allows religious and medical exemptions.
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 431.061: Informed consent requirements.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain rights to make medical decisions for newborns.

36. Montana

  • Key Statutes:
    • MCA § 20-5-405: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • MCA § 50-16-1001: Informed consent provisions.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can legally decline Vitamin K and Hep B administration.

37. Nebraska

  • Key Statutes:
    • Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-221: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-6903: Informed consent statute.
  • Interpretation:
    • Supports parental refusal of non-mandated interventions.

38. Nevada

  • Key Statutes:
    • NRS § 392.435: Allows for medical and religious exemptions.
    • NRS § 449.720: Informed consent protections.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain authority over newborn medical decisions.

39. New Hampshire

  • Key Statutes:
    • RSA 141-C:20-c: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • RSA 151:21: Patients' Bill of Rights includes informed consent.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse Vitamin K and Hep B for their newborn.

40. New Mexico

  • Key Statutes:
    • NMSA § 24-5-2: Allows medical and religious exemptions.
    • NMSA § 24-1-4: Informed consent required for medical procedures.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain legal authority to decline newborn interventions.

41. North Dakota

  • Key Statutes:
    • NDCC § 23-07-17.1: Allows medical and religious exemptions.
    • NDCC § 23-12-13: Informed consent requirements for medical treatment.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse non-mandated newborn interventions under informed consent laws.

42. Ohio

  • Key Statutes:
    • ORC § 3313.671: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • ORC § 2317.54: Informed consent requirements.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents maintain rights to decline Vitamin K and Hep B with proper documentation.

43. Oklahoma

  • Key Statutes:
    • 70 O.S. § 1210.192: Allows medical, religious, and personal belief exemptions.
    • 63 O.S. § 3101.4: Informed consent provisions.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse neonatal interventions legally.

44. South Carolina

  • Key Statutes:
    • S.C. Code § 44-29-180: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • S.C. Code § 44-66-30: Informed consent required for medical treatment.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents retain authority to make newborn medical decisions.

45. South Dakota

  • Key Statutes:
    • SDCL § 13-28-7.1: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • SDCL § 34-23-16: Informed consent laws.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can refuse non-mandated newborn interventions.

46. Tennessee

  • Key Statutes:
    • T.C.A. § 49-6-5001: Allows medical and religious exemptions.
    • T.C.A. § 68-11-1803: Informed consent requirements.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents’ rights to refuse Vitamin K and Hep B are legally protected.

47. Utah

  • Key Statutes:
    • Utah Code § 53G-9-303: Permits medical, religious, and personal belief exemptions.
    • Utah Code § 78B-3-406: Informed consent laws.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents can decline non-mandated newborn interventions with proper documentation.

48. Wisconsin

  • Key Statutes:
    • Wis. Stat. § 252.04: Allows medical and religious exemptions.
    • Wis. Stat. § 448.30: Informed consent requirements.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents maintain the right to refuse Vitamin K and Hep B.

49. Wyoming

  • Key Statutes:
    • Wyo. Stat. § 21-4-309: Permits medical and religious exemptions.
    • Wyo. Stat. § 35-22-302: Informed consent statutes.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parental rights to informed refusal of newborn interventions are protected.

50. District of Columbia (included for completeness)

  • Key Statutes:
    • D.C. Code § 38–501 et seq.: Allows medical and religious exemptions for school vaccines.
    • D.C. Code § 7–1231.08: Informed consent laws.
  • Interpretation:
    • Parents have the right to refuse Vitamin K and Hep B, but D.C. mandates are among the strictest for school entry.

Conclusion and Key Principles All States

  • Constitutional Rights: Across these states, parental rights under the U.S. Constitution (Fourteenth Amendment) and landmark cases like Meyer v. Nebraska and Troxel v. Granville provide a baseline legal framework.
  • State Limits: The most restrictive states have targeted school vaccination entry with tight mandates, often eliminating religious/philosophical exemptions. However, these mandates do not generally apply to newborn medical procedures (Vitamin K, Hep B) at birth.
  • Informed Consent Laws: Each state retains statutes requiring informed consent, which guarantees parents’ rights to refuse medical interventions for their newborn unless overridden by immediate medical necessity or court order.
  • Key Action: Parents should document refusals in writing, citing applicable statutes, constitutional rights, and scientific rationale, while requesting no retaliation in the interest of their child’s health and rights.