Authored by Zachary Stieber via The Epoch Times,
A coalition of 15 groups, including Children’s Health Defense founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is working to oppose vaccine and mask mandates in the United States.
The coalition, known as the Medical Freedom Act Coalition, is pushing for the introduction and passage of medical freedom bills in every state.
“I think it’s the first time we’ve seen this kind of effort in the kind of freedom and health movement,” said Leslie Manookian, founder of the Health Freedom Defense Fund.
Idaho is seen as the model state after passing the Idaho Medical Freedom Act in 2025, prohibiting businesses and schools from mandating vaccines or other medical procedures.
“Our goal is to take the Medical Freedom Act to as many states as possible across the U.S.,” said Leah Wilson, executive director and co-founder of Stand for Health Freedom.
Michael Kane, director of advocacy for Children’s Health Defense, expressed the organization’s stance against vaccine mandates and medical procedures.
The coalition also includes groups associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Health Again (MAHA) movement.
“This state, more than any state in the country, stands for not only medical freedom but a healthy population,” Kennedy said in a briefing with Idaho Governor Brad Little.
While some states are introducing bills to ban vaccine mandates, others are considering tightening vaccine requirements, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding medical freedom and public health.
Idaho Requirements Still in Place
The Idaho Medical Freedom Act prohibits schools and businesses from mandating medical interventions for attendance or employment. However, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare still requires certain vaccinations for school and daycare attendance.
A new bill introduced by state Rep. Rob Beiswenger aims to clarify that vaccination is a voluntary choice and not mandatory.
State Actions So Far
Legislators in multiple states have introduced bills to alter or ban vaccine mandates, with some states considering stricter requirements while others aim to expand exemptions.
The Health Freedom Defense Fund has released model legislation based on the Idaho Medical Freedom Act for other states to use in introducing similar bills.
“I don’t think this is a partisan issue,” said Manookian. “I think that Americans in general don’t want to be forced to do something to their children.”
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