Clay Yarborough’s ‘medical freedom’ bill survives bipartisan scrutiny in Senate Committee

Legislation (SB 1756) intended to protect parental rights regarding childhood vaccines is moving forward in the Senate, even as similar legislation has stalled out in the House without a hearing.

But while Sen. Clay Yarborough’s so-called “medical freedom” bill was advanced to its final stop during an Appropriations Committee meeting, the legislation continues to be controversial. The meeting included 100 appearance cards filed by concerned members of the public, as well as questions from both sides of the aisle.

The bill, which the Jacksonville Republican said “makes great strides to ensure Florida parents can make educated medical decisions for their school-aged children,” would prohibit the state health officers from mandating vaccines during public health emergencies. It would also expand religious and conscience-based exemptions for school entry and require new parental acknowledgment forms before minors receive vaccines.

“We’re making sure that parents have a choice. We’re not eliminating the vaccinations. We’re not eliminating the mandatory requirement. We already have the religious exemption, and now we would add in a conscience-based exemption, and treat it the same way that the religious exemption is treated under current law,” Yarborough said.

Educational materials and alternative vaccine schedules are contemplated in this legislation, as is non-prescription ivermectin “behind the counter” to “ensure patient access” provided pharmacists educate consumers to the benefits and risks of the drug.

Asked by Democratic Sen. Tina Polsky what ivermectin is used for, Yarborough said it is used in animal medicine as well as humans to treat parasites, heartworms and head lice.

“It’s giving adults, giving Floridians a choice,” the sponsor said, noting anecdotal evidence of its benefits in treating coronavirus and that it is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at appropriate doses.

Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman asked about endangering “herd immunity” in light of measles outbreaks.

While Yarborough acknowledged the “concern,” protecting parental rights also matters to him, creating a “delicate balance.”

Yet even Republicans are split.

Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell wondered if Yarborough had talked to pediatricians about the proposal. He said he had spoken to some.

She was a “no” in the previous Committee that heard this bill, and maintained her opposition to this “dangerous bill” at this stop.

In debate, Republican Sen. Ralph Massullo noted that he was “pro-vaccine” but that people who want to opt out of vaccines should be given the same information as those opting in. He ultimately supported in Committee the central argument of the bill equating religion and conscience, but wants changes before the floor, including moderation of the advocacy of ivermectin, which he attributes to “peer pressure.”

Yarborough said “there’s a lot to look at moving forward” with the bill.

Republican Sen. Tom Wright was also a “no” on the bill, saying “we may be missing the boat and some of the children may not get the vaccines they need.”