How to Protect Parental Rights in An Increasingly Antagonist Culture

**This is NOT legal or medical advice.

Parental Rights Are Under Attack

If you haven’t heard, a parent’s right to control decisions made for the healthcare and education of their child is slowly being stripped away.

At one point that statement would have been considered conspiracy theory, but after all that went down in California yesterday with the bill SB 277 being signed by the governor, it is law that all children entering public or private school must be up to date on their vaccinations. No more opting out without a doctor’s approval.

According to California, unless the child meets certain criteria specified by the state and his/ or her doctors, all children must be vaccinated if they want to partake of government sponsored programs like the school system. Parent’s will have no voice to advocate on behalf of their child. It is the government’s choice, the doctor’s choice, but not the parent’s choice.

This was NOT the people’s decision or vote. Millions clustered around all the committee meetings. Moms with their vaccine injured children, homeschoolers who might have even been pro-vaccination but just want parental rights to be left alone, doctors even came presenting evidence that this was not in the best interest of the state economy. Petitions were signed, but all was ignored and the law passed anyway. Why might you ask? Many are asking that same question.

Now, you may be pro-vaccination. This article is NOT about the validity of vaccination. This is about the importance of protecting a parent’s right to choose what they feel is best for their child whether that be home birth, not vaccinating, other alternative medical treatment, homeschooling, or the exact opposite - the point is that it is your family, your children, and your choice.

Case in Point

In January 2010, the Cressy’s were arrested on criminal charges for failing to file their homeschooling paperwork with the state of New York. They were charged with child endangerment.

In April 2012, the Batt’s family in New York was forced to allow police officers in their home without warrants for a welfare check which they had received little information concerning. They forced their way in, harassed the family, even though later all was found to be fine.

In March 2012, a newborn infant is seized by the hospital and state from her mother because she desired a home birth and questioned medical care of her daughter at a hospital in Pennsylvania.

More recently, the Connecticut Supreme Court upholds ruling that a teenage girl must undergo chemotherapy for treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma against her will.

These are just a select few of the many stories that are out there from the last 5 years exemplifying the overreach of government into the lives and homes of families just like yours and mine. We ought not to fold under the pressure, but stand up for our constitutional rights as long as we have the ability to do so.

1.) Do Your Research.

It is so important to know why you believe what you believe, and have a proper defense when questioned. To do this you must know both sides of the argument thoroughly.

There really is nothing worse for a cause than those who are ill-educated about it and are just following the trend.

We were in the ER a few weeks ago with my son when he contracted a serious infection in a small cut on his hand. The doctor there began questioning us on why we chose not to vaccinate our children. We informed him of our personal reasons, and even though he did not agree with us he breathed a sigh of relief. He explained that so many people who choose not to vaccinate hold onto reasons that are completely illogical and uninformed. Just saying you are afraid of an autism diagnosis because you read a story from some celebrity is not a good enough reason to opt out.

Be educated in your decisions and you might even gain a little respect from the opposing side. In fact, look for ways to respect the opposing side. This will help you find grace for those with whom you disagree. “We are all parents just trying to do what we feel is best for our children,” - that is a great place to start!

Also be open to the fact that you could be wrong. We all make mistakes and we are learning and growing. It is always proper to be able to listen to and learn from sound reason.

2.) Be Prepared.

If you choose to do something out of the ordinary, you need to be prepared for what may come. This will not only keep you safe but also protect you from a legal standpoint.

If you desire a home birth, you need to choose a skilled midwife that knows what to do in an emergency situation, and when it is the appropriate time to call in medical personnel. (See our Midwife Detailed Interview Worksheet and Birth Plan HERE.)

If you choose to treat illness naturally, then be sure to arm your family’s immune system as well as keep items on hand to combat infection. I like to use garlic ear oil for ear infections so we always have that on hand. I make my own tinctures and we keep essential oils and well known supplements on hand to deal with common illnesses. Be sure that you know what these supplements and natural remedies do. Not all are safe for children or pregnant women. It is better to err on the side of caution and to seek medical advice. (See our Natural Health Planner HERE.)

Find a local practitioner whom you can trust. Ask around, often someone will know of a practitioner who is open to alternative treatments in general. I have actually found that family physicians tend to be the most understanding. Interview your doctors and tell them where you stand on these issues. You may not agree on every issue, but if you can find a mutual respect, that is a great place to start! Often just having a doctor who you see fairly often that knows what you do and why you do it can be a legal protection in its own right.

Don’t let pride cloud your judgment. There are times that we really do need medical assistance, and there are times that antibiotics and medical treatments are absolutely appropriate. Understand your limitations and be thankful that God has provided the knowledge and means to extend life in ways unknown only a century ago.

3.) Be Active On The State Level.

Be familiar with the laws in your state because every state is different. California is seeking to place restrictions on exemptions to vaccinating children. Homeschooling laws vary quite a bit from state to state. Be familiar with what your state’s laws are and if you are unhappy with them seek out ways to produce change.

Being familiar with those in office, what their voting record is and their stance on the issue is so important. Make contact and let them know what your wishes are. How will your state representative know what the people of his state want if you do not tell him?

Pray for your state representatives and for reform.

If you are looking for your local representatives contact information, CLICK HERE.

4.) Be Active On A Local Level.

Many families just want to go underground out of fear, but I am not sure that this is the proper response. Educating others is the first step to causing change.

Seek to educate those in your community. You can hold community classes on natural childbirth or home remedies for common ailments. These classes should be practical, helpful resources, not a soap box. This helps to inform people and “normalize” your choices in the eyes of the public.

I personally find that just simple conversation between family and friends opens up many doors to talk about those things that mean a lot to me. Just remember it is good to be passionate, but not so convicted that you turn a simple choice into a Gospel calling. Being defensive when others do not agree and being oppressive with your opinions is not going to win anyone over ever.

5.) Join A Like Minded Community.

I have found it so helpful to know people who do things like we do simply because I can ask questions from those who might have done more research in one area than I have, or are more familiar with state laws or even local resources than I am.

For homeschoolers, join a local co-op. Many states have an overseeing organization for homeschoolers too. By joining these for a small fee, you will be able to stay up-to-date on local information and legislation, as well as be informed about local events and conferences.

Often many of those who lead a more natural health lifestyle find their like minded communities online. This can be a great resource but your need to be wise. Be careful with these, as there is a lot of incorrect information out there. It is good to have a support system, but you also need to educate yourself in the matter and not just take someone else’s word for it.

6.) Join the HSLDA.

I cannot speak highly enough of the Homeschooling Legal Defense Association and all of their work on behalf of protecting parental rights against unjust treatment by the state.

Their core legal protection services are for homeschoolers but they do take medical kidnapping cases on as well as those that encroach upon the privacy of the home. The reason they take on these peripheral cases is because they all are tied to parental rights. It is important to keep it intact for the whole no matter what your personal stance is on the other issues, because if the rope begins to fray in one area it will all unravel. This is the slippery slope of legislation.

Please Be Respectful.

I hate the wars that surround these topics of homeschooling vs. public school, vaccinating vs. not, natural birth vs. medicated births. It is your right to make a personal decision for your own family. It is also the right of another family to make a decision different than your own. Be respectful of each other’s personal right to make this choice.

The goal is to uphold the Constitution, not your personal opinion over someone else’s.

Setting Precedents

With all that is going on today in our nation, there does seem to be a swing towards oppressing those who make decisions that go against the grain. This affects those who are faithful Christians, those who choose to homeschool, own guns, choose alternative routes for healthcare, etc.

It may seem so small that one state is seeking to pass a law restricting vaccination exemptions especially if you choose to vaccinate, but the end result is so much bigger. Our government is expanding its powers into your home and into mine by mandating our healthcare. What is mandated vaccinations one day can lead to mandated public school the next, disarming of private citizens, and a general attitude of “Get in line, or you will pay.” Here is an interesting read about the historical roots of government overreach, Politics, Constitutional Decline, and Government Overreach by the CATO Institute.

We need to work together to make it known that we will stand up and fight for our right to be parents to our children and make the decisions we feel is best for our families. This isn’t a plea to convince people of our stance, but to stand with us for the right to hold that stance in the first place. Protect yourself legally as you work to enact change to protect personal liberties for all.

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Lindsey

I am a wife to a wonderful husband and mother to four beautiful children five and under: three girls and one boy. I am a disciple of Christ and I am fulfilling my role to my husband and family as a homemaker. I began The Road to 31 almost two years ago in an effort to focus more as I studied the Word of God and researched those things which were important to me. I found that God used The Road to 31 within my own life to bring community to my front door and allowed me to minister and be ministered to by other women who are walking along the same road as I.