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NJ Assemblyman Speaks Out About Gov. Christie's Comments On Parental Choice And Vaccinations

By Cleve Bryan

DELRAN, N.J., (CBS) -- State lawmaker and doctor of internal medicine for more than 25 years, Assemblyman Herb Conaway called Governor Chris Christie's comments about parental choice and vaccinations "irresponsible."

Christie was asked his thoughts on vaccinations Monday after touring a Cambridge pharmaceutical facility during his tour in England.

Christie said he believes in the importance of vaccinations and that his children are vaccinated, then added, "But I also understand that parents need to have some measure of choice in things as well so that's the balance that the government has to decide."

Today the Center for Disease Control announced that in January 102 cases of measles were identified across 14 states.

While New Jersey and several other states allow parents may opt children out of school vaccination requirements for religious reasons, Conaway (D- Burlington) believes the current measles outbreak is the fault of parents who believe in an unproven link between vaccinations and autism.

He says Christie should take a much more firm and simple approach when speaking about vaccinations.

"The governor of the state should say that parents need to get their children vaccinated, period," says Conaway, "it doesn't help when people in responsible positions make statements that are not consistent with the scientific facts and the scientific evidence."

Christie's office issued a media statement later on Monday clarifying that the governor believes children should be vaccinated against measles "no question," and explained the governor was referring to other types of diseases.

 

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