Youngster Gets in Touch with Rights Group for Vaccination Despite Antivax Parents

A youngster from the State of Israel has gotten in touch with the Assistance and Support Center of the National Council for the Child (NCC). He told them that he wants to get the vaccination administered against the novel coronavirus, but that his parents are not granting him permission to do so. This was revealed by the deputy legal adviser of the NCC, Daniella Zlotnik Raz, herself.

As rising coronavirus cases sweep the country, the government has been actively promoting the inoculation of 12- to 15-year-olds, with the aim that a greater rate of immunization in this age group is also essential in the prevention of outbreaks in the future.

The Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Naftali Bennett, posted a video on social media in which he directly addressed the teens in the country. He asserted that he realizes that everyone wants to relax and enjoy this summer and that is possible through vaccinations. He went on to add that even he has four children, who want to have fun in these vacations. Therefore, he added, that it is important to get vaccinated to ensure that no restrictions are imposed on trips and parties.

The Prime Minister went on to say that the government does not want to bring back capsules either or impose a lockdown. He appealed to the children to talk to their parents and get the job at the earliest, in order to enjoy a coronavirus-free summer.

However, many have questioned what will happen in the case that children of antivax parents want to get vaccinated. As per Zlotnik Raz, Israel does not have legislation that grants minors the right to give their legal consent for medical treatment. But she pointed out that they do have the option to take their petition to court.

She went on to note that cases similar to these have also been occurring in several other countries. Zlotnik Raz talked about how two teenagers in Tuscany petitioned the court, soon after their antivax parents refused to allow them to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The 16 and 17-year-old revealed that they would even go to the President of Italy but, will not go without getting vaccinated.

The deputy legal adviser of the NCC added that the legal system in Israel should pass legislation to allow minors to legally consent to medical treatment in such cases.

The NCC was established in the year 1986 and is an organization that works to ensure the well-being, rights, and welfare of all the children in the country. Amongst its many services, it also grants assistance to children for issues regarding domestic violence, education, disability rights, and much more. It further promotes the participation of youngsters in policymaking.

According to an expert, ten years ago a committee was delegated with the task to conduct research on the issue of medical consent. This also consisted of various members from the NCC. After the study was completed, several recommendations had been made but the authorities never moved to pass a law on the matter.