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73
The undersigned do not find themselves able to go so far in
recommending relaxation of the law as is suggested. We think
that in all cases in which a parent or guardian refuses to allow
vaccination, the person so refusing should be summoned before a
magistrate, as at present, and that the only change made should
be to permit the magistrate to accept a sworn deposition of
conscientious objection, and to abstain from the infliction of a fine.
We are also of opinion that, in spite of the difficulties as set
forth, a second vaccination at the age of twelve ought to be made
compulsory.
W. Guyer Hunter. Jonathan Hutchinson.
We, the undersigned, desire to express our dissent from the
proposal to retain in any form compulsory vaccination.
We cordially concur in the recommendation that conscientious
objection to vaccination should be respected. The objection that
mere negligence or unwillingness on the part of parents to take
trouble might keep many children from being vaccinated would
be largely, if not wholly, removed by the adoption of the Scotch
system of offering vaccination at the home of the child, and by
providing for medical treatment of any untoward results which
may arise.
We therefore think that the modified form of compulsion
recommended by our colleagues is unnecessary and that in practice
it could not be carried out.
The hostility which compulsion has evoked in the past
toward the practice of vaccination is fully acknowledged in the
Report. In our opinion the retention of compulsion in any form
will, in the future, cause irritation and hostility of the same kind.
The right of the parent on grounds of conscience to refuse
vaccination for his child being conceded, and the offer of vaccination
under improved conditions being made at the home of the