Protesters in San Diego took to the streets Wednesday to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 277, a proposal to remove personal belief exemptions for childhood vaccinations.
About 250 protesters, including children, carried signs that read "my child my choice" on a half-mile trek from Civic Center Plaza to the California State Building in downtown San Diego. The protest was organized by the citizens group Your Family Your Choice.
Organizer Dani Darrow-Peterson said the protest was not an anti-vaccination protest.
“We are not against vaccines," she said. "We basically want the choice. If you decide that you don’t want a flu shot for your child that should be your right. If you want to get one that should be your right as well.”
Susan Daniel, a mother of a disabled teen, said her son’s condition is the fault of a vaccine.
“He was totally healthy up until he had his vaccinations and within two hours after his vaccinations he was in ICU,” she said. “I am scared to death that if this becomes law I’ll have to vaccinate my other children."
Darrow-Peterson said the bill demonizes innocent children.
“How is a child's right now considered a threat to society when they’re completely healthy just walking around?" she said.
The bill was heard by the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday.
