Study on Compulsory Vaccination Requirements of Children from the Perspective of Human Rights and Bioethics

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 , Department of Law, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 Departement of Law, Torbat-e Heydariyeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Heydariyeh, Iran

Abstract

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019 prompted global efforts to develop vaccines and combat its spread. As countries grappled with the devastating effects of the pandemic, discussions on compulsory vaccination, particularly for children, emerged from the intersection of human rights and bioethics. This article employs a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on library resources, to investigate the implications of compulsory vaccination for children, especially in the context of the COVID-19 vaccine. The central question explored is whether such requirements align with bioethical principles and respect human rights.
Human rights documents universally recognize the fundamental importance of respecting human rights, including the right to health and individual freedoms. Governments and health systems worldwide have pledged to uphold these rights as a priority. However, the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic brought forth a complex ethical dilemma: striking a balance between protecting public health and safeguarding individual liberties. The crisis 
underscored the tension between ethics and rights, necessitating a thoughtful evaluation of compulsory vaccination policies.
The Principle of Solidarity and Compulsory Vaccination for Adults
The principle of solidarity, a cornerstone of bioethics, calls for collective responsibility and unity for the greater good of society. Governments may take measures to promote public health, even if they entail some limitations on individual freedoms. In emergency situations like a pandemic, the principle of solidarity justifies compulsory vaccination for adults. Vaccination not only shields the vaccinated individuals but also provides protection to those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons. By achieving herd immunity, societies can combat the spread of the virus more effectively.
However, the principle of solidarity does not unconditionally justify mandatory vaccination. While it can support compulsory vaccination for adults, the intervention must be necessary, proportional, and respectful of individual rights. Governments must carefully consider the balance between public health benefits and potential infringements on individual autonomy.
Informed Consent and the Rights of Children
When it comes to children, additional ethical considerations emerge. The principle of informed consent is paramount, underpinning human rights conventions such as the Nuremberg Laws. Consent must be obtained from the parents or guardians before vaccinating children. This requirement highlights the importance of respecting the autonomy of parents in making decisions on behalf of their children while safeguarding their well-being.
The Ethics of Compulsory Vaccination for Children
To assess the ethics of compulsory vaccination for children, an examination of COVID-19's impact on different age groups is crucial. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the disease's severity and mortality are disproportionately higher among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. In contrast, the statistics reveal that children experience milder cases and lower mortality rates. Consequently, prioritizing compulsory vaccination for at-risk groups, particularly adults, aligns with the ethical principle of proportionality.
Furthermore, the unique nature of COVID-19 vaccines demands careful ethical evaluation. Traditional childhood vaccines, such as those for Poliovirus (OPV) and MMR, have long-established safety records and proven efficacy, developed through a thorough biological cycle spanning 10 to 15 years. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccines are relatively new and have undergone expedited development due to the urgency of the pandemic. This situation raises ethical concerns about the extent of knowledge regarding their long-term effects and efficacy, especially in the context of compulsory vaccination for children.
Morality, Proportionality, and Necessity
Enforcing compulsory vaccination for children requires a thorough evaluation of moral justifications. Given the relatively low infection and death rates among children due to COVID-19, implementing such policies without adequate consideration of the principles of necessity and proportionality could be deemed immoral. Balancing the potential benefits of vaccination against the limited risk children face from the disease is essential to ensure ethical decision-making.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the complex interplay between human rights and bioethics concerning compulsory vaccination for children, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the principle of solidarity supports mandatory vaccination for adults in emergencies, the ethical implications of enforcing vaccination for children demand careful consideration. Respect for informed consent, the principle of proportionality, and a commitment to protect individual rights are essential in navigating this challenging terrain. Striking a balance between public health imperatives and individual freedoms is crucial to ensuring morally justifiable and ethically sound policies regarding compulsory vaccination.

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Journal of Legal Studies
Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 49
October 2023
Pages 383-412

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