Refusing Hep B lawsuit

[Guest guest]

- Deborah A Delp

NEWS RELEASE January 21, 2004 Lawsuit Forces School To Readmit Student Who Was Expelled For Refusing The Hepatitis B Vaccination Camden, NJ – Nancy Mergenthal filed suit on behalf of her son against theGloucester Township School District after he was expelled by schoolofficials in December of 2003 for refusing to receive the Hepatitis Bvaccine. Mrs. Mergenthal is represented by Mathew D. Staver, President andGeneral Counsel of Liberty Counsel, and Joel Oster, Litigation Counsel forLiberty Counsel. Mrs. Mergenthal is a Christian who worships at the Bethel Christian Center.She has a sincerely held belief that her body is the temple of God that sheshould not intentionally defile, and she has come to believe that she shouldnot subject her children to immunizations, particularly Hepatitis B. Heroldest son, Gene, at one time had a severe reaction to an immunization andalmost died. New Jersey law provides that a child shall be exempted frommandatory immunization if the parent objects in writing, explaining how theadministration of the immunization conflicts with a bona fide religioustenet or practice. After school officials informed Mrs. Mergenthal that her son must beimmunized, she submitted a written request for exemption, explaining indetail her religious beliefs and why immunizations conflicted with thesebeliefs. Mrs. Mergenthal’s pastor and her physician also submitted letterssupporting her objection to immunizations. The pastor, Rev. Kurt Kinney,stated in part: “I am writing as her pastor to plead with you to listen withan open heart to her request and grant that which she asks so that Matthewcan return to the school he enjoys and see the fairness of this great state” Despite her request, the state of New Jersey denied the exemption and theschool expelled Matthew and then threatened to pursue truancy chargesagainst Mrs. Mergenthal. After Mrs. Mergenthal filed suit on January 4, 2004, school officials agreedto allow Matthew to return to school, but the case is still pending. Staversaid, “Many people have sincerely held religious beliefs that do not permitthem to subject their bodies to immunizations in general, or to someimmunizations in particular. That’s why virtually every state in the countryhas an exemption from mandatory immunizations for medical or religiousreasons. Although New Jersey has such an exemption provision, state andschool officials ran roughshod over Mrs. Mergenthal’s religious beliefs.It’s a sad day when government officials will only respect constitutionalliberties after they are subjected to a lawsuit.” Hepatitis B is not ahighly contagious condition. It can only be transmitted in one of three waysThese three risk factors include a mother who is chronically infected atthe time of birth, blood products primarily through sharing dirty needles,or promiscuous sex. Forcing a Hepatitis B vaccine on children conflicts with most religious beliefs andinstruction of parents that their children should avoid promiscuous sex andillegal drug use. Parents -- Know Your Rights! Don't be caught off guard by not being informedabout your religious rights. Call 800-671-1776 and ask for your free copy of"Compulsory Vaccinations Threaten Religious Freedom", an informative 10-pagebrochure that provides surprising facts about vaccines. You can also requestthe brochure on "Parental Rights to Direct Education of Children" -- auseful legal guide for all parents. Mathew D. Staver, Esq. Liberty Counsel PO Box 540774 Orlando, FL 32854 800-671-1776 www.lc.org -- VIAL (Vaccination Information and Liberation) For more information, pleasevisit http://www.VacInfo.org and Educate BEFORE You Vaccinate!!! YourChildren...Your Choice...Your Rights...