Retired neurosurgeon and potential GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson, MD, weighed-in on the trending debate about whether parents should be required to vaccinate their children with a resounding "yes," according to an NPR report.
While other potential presidential candidates, including fellow physician Senator Rand Paul, MD, have skirted the issue by either promoting a parent's right to choose, or spreading anecdotal evidence about issues with vaccinations, Dr. Carson hasn't shied away from his stance.
"When you have diseases that have demonstrably been shown to be curtailed or eradicated by immunization, why would you even think about not doing it?" he said to NPR. There have been several cases of the measles reported in the United States recently — a disease vaccination previously nearly eradicated. However, some parents decide not to vaccinate their children, for various social, religions and political reasons, causing a public health risk for unvaccinated children and people with compromised immune systems.
The debate between vaccination opponents — "anti-vaxxers" — and proponents is sure to become one of the headlining issues for upcoming presidential candidate debates. The issue tip-toes across a fine line for Republicans who promote individual rights but also show concern for public safety. This topic also treads along scientific and religious lines, two groups often pitted against each other.
While Dr. Carson hasn't officially thrown his hat into the ring yet as a presidential candidate, many are calling for him to run. If he does, here is a quick preview on his views on vaccinations:
• While questioning evolution, Dr. Carson does feel science backs immunization.
• Immunization is a public safety issue.
• There is a precedent for making mandates on public safety issues, such as texting and driving, when evidence shows an individual's actions put others in harm's way.
• Certain vaccinations — those against communicable diseases — should be required.
Dr. Carson's views are somewhat at odds with the other potential Republican presidential candidates, and some of the Republican base who despise mandates above all else, but popular with a large number of Americans on all sides of the political spectrum who support immunizations.