Some parents in Massachusetts are seeking religious exemptions to vaccines, citing nuanced and varied reasons.
Bridget Kearns, an occupational therapist from Wareham, struggled with the decision to vaccinate her children. She had spoken with mothers who believed vaccines were harmful and was concerned about the link between vaccines and abortion.
Though vaccines do not contain fetal tissue, the manufacturing process for some involves fetal cell lines created from abortions performed decades ago.
Kearns felt pressure to follow the example of other parents, but eventually made a decision after being indecisive for a few years, during which her kids were partially vaccinated.
Author's summary: Parents in Massachusetts seek vaccine exemptions for nuanced reasons.