Re: Gail Lethbridge’s column (“Anti-vaxxers should face consequences,” Sept. 7). While I agree with her, her suggestions are far too soft. Nova Scotia chief medical officer Dr. Robert Strang fears mandatory vaccinations would harden resistance to vaccines. Shame on you, Dr. Strang, for not standing up for defenceless children.
It is high time we call this for what it is — child abuse. Would Dr. Strang feel the same if a parent beat their children or seriously harmed them in any way? I doubt it. So, how is putting a child unnecessarily in harms’ way, by not vaccinating against diseases that may cause them and or others long-term illnesses or even death, different?
As a former president of a Children’s Aid Society here in Nova Scotia, we need to take the gloves off and call this what it is — child abuse — and treat it as society and our government would treat any child abuser, like the criminals they are. It is long overdue.
Martin MacKinnon, Halifax
