New DC Bill Takes Shot At Anti-Vaxxers: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- Kids of any age would be able to get vaccinations without their parents' consent under a proposed new D.C. bill, according to a report.

WAMU reports that Councilmember March Cheh (Ward 3) introduced a bill Tuesday that would allow any minor in the District to be vaccinated if he or she wants to. Currently, the law requires parental consent for a child under 18.

The measure is a clear shot at the growing anti-vaccination movement, which claims that vaccines cause autism. In reality, there is no evidence for this claim.

Cheh wrote the bill because the anti-vaccination movement has been blamed for outbreaks of diseases like measles around the nation, according to the report.

Current D.C. law allows minors over the age of 12 to get a wide range of medical care from contraceptives to mental health. This bill would extend those protections to vaccinations, although it would make it legal for a child of any age to seek a vaccination.